Coma Berenices Carnival – Stargazing & Galaxy Hunt near Pune & Mumbai
Date Expired !
Overview
Dates: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Location: Nisargshala, Sahyadris near Pune
Step into the wonders of the spring galaxy season at our Coma Berenices Carnival—an overnight stargazing and camping adventure under crystal-clear skies. March is the perfect time to observe galaxy clusters, bright stars, and famous deep-sky objects with binoculars and telescopes.
Coma Berenices Carnival – Spring Galaxy Season Stargazing Camp
Dates: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Location: Nisargshala, Sahyadris near Pune
Step into the wonders of the spring galaxy season at our
Coma Berenices Carnival – an overnight
stargazing and camping experience under dark Sahyadri skies.
March nights are perfect for exploring galaxy clusters, bright stars, and deep-sky objects
through binoculars and telescopes.
Coma Berenices Carnival – Spring Galaxy Season Stargazing Camp
Dates: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Location: Nisargshala, Sahyadris near Pune
Step into the wonders of the spring galaxy season at our
Coma Berenices Carnival – an overnight
stargazing and camping experience under dark Sahyadri skies.
March nights are perfect for exploring galaxy clusters, bright stars, and deep-sky objects
through binoculars and telescopes.
What You’ll See
With Unaided Eyes
- The sparkling Spica in Virgo
- Denebola marking the tail of Leo
- The gentle glow of the Coma star cloud (Coma star cluster, Melotte 111)
- A faint band of the Milky Way rising in the late night / pre-dawn sky,
for guests who stay up or wake up early (weather & Moon permitting) - Introduction to Classical Indian Astronomy and Nakshatras
With Binoculars
- The wide and delicate Coma open cluster (Melotte 111)
- The compact globular cluster M53 near Coma Berenices
- The beautiful Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer
- The bright globular cluster M3 in Canes Venatici
With Telescopes
- The striking Black Eye Galaxy (M64)
- The classic spiral Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
- The elegant edge-on Sombrero Galaxy (M104) in Virgo
- The famous Leo Triplet – three galaxies in one field
- Selected galaxies from the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters
Bonus Deep-Sky Highlights
Depending on time, sky conditions and group interest, we will also try to show:
- Orion Nebula (M42) – a bright stellar nursery in Orion, perfect early-evening showpiece.
- M41 – a rich open cluster just below Sirius in Canis Major.
- Caldwell 64 (NGC 2362) – a compact young cluster around Tau Canis Majoris.
- Omega Centauri – the largest and brightest globular cluster in the Milky Way,
skimming our southern horizon late at night.
Bonus Deep-Sky Objects – Photo Gallery
 Orion Nebula (M42) |  Open Cluster M41 (Canis Major) |
| Orion Nebula (M42) |
Why Join This Camp?
- Explore galaxy clusters and spring constellations through powerful telescopes
- Learn to identify galaxies, clusters, and star clouds with guidance from
experienced sky guides - Camp at a safe, eco-friendly riverside site in the Sahyadris,
just a short drive from Pune & Mumbai - Perfect for families, students, astronomy lovers and nature enthusiasts
- A relaxed blend of camping, nature time, and deep-sky stargazing
Event Details
- Check-in: 4:00 PM, Saturday, March 21
- Check-out: 10:00 AM, Sunday, March 22
- Inclusions: Evening snacks, vegetarian dinner, overnight tent stay, early morning tea
Guests who are keen can also join a late-night / early-morning Milky Way watch,
when the central band of our galaxy begins to rise in the southeast during late March nights.
Why Join This Camp?
- Explore galaxy clusters and spring constellations through powerful telescopes
- Learn to identify galaxies, clusters, and star clouds with guidance from
experienced sky guides - Camp at a safe, eco-friendly riverside site in the Sahyadris,
just a short drive from Pune & Mumbai - Perfect for families, students, astronomy lovers and nature enthusiasts
- A relaxed blend of camping, nature time, and deep-sky stargazing
Event Details
- Check-in: 4:00 PM, Saturday, March 21
- Check-out: 10:00 AM, Sunday, March 22
- Inclusions: Evening snacks, vegetarian dinner, overnight tent stay, early morning tea
Guests who are keen can also join a late-night / early-morning Milky Way watch,
when the central band of our galaxy begins to rise in the southeast during late March nights.
🌠 Why Join Coma Berenices Carnival?
Explore galaxy clusters and spring constellations through powerful telescopes
Learn to identify galaxies and clusters with guidance from expert astronomers
Safe, eco-friendly campsite in the Sahyadris, just a short drive from Pune & Mumbai
Ideal for astronomy lovers, families, and students
A unique blend of astronomy, camping, and stargazing
📍 Event Details
Check-in: 4:00 PM, Saturday, Mar 21
Check-out: 10:00 AM, Sunday, Mar 22
Inclusions: Evening snacks, veg dinner, overnight tent stay, early morning tea
✅ What to Bring
Light woolens (nights are pleasant but slightly cool in March)
Torch with red filter (to protect night vision)
Binoculars / telescope (optional – shared scopes provided)
Personal essentials & refillable water bottle