Hands On Astronomy At FELO

Date: 7^th – 8^th August 2026

The XAS Summer School 2026 is a two-day outreach programme designed to introduce school students from across Kolkata to the fascinating world of astronomy and astrophysics through engaging lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on experiences.

Workshop on Stellar Astronomy and Cosmology

Participants will explore the fundamental concepts of stellar astronomy and cosmology, gaining insights into the life cycle of stars, the large-scale structure of the Universe, and some of the most exciting discoveries in modern astrophysics.

Observatory Visit & Observation Session

As part of the programme, students will take part in guided observation sessions and receive an exclusive tour of the Father Eugene Lafont Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in an educational institution in India. The visit will provide participants with a unique opportunity to experience astronomical observation and learn about the observatory's rich scientific heritage.

Lecture Topic: Adventures with Black Holes

Guest Speaker: Dr. Suchetana Chatterjee

Abstract

Black holes are among the most intriguing objects in the Universe. In this interactive lecture, Dr. Suchetana Chatterjee will discuss our current understanding of black holes from the perspectives of general relativity and astrophysics. The talk will trace the evolution of the theoretical concepts behind black holes and explore the various ways in which they are detected today through multi-messenger astronomy, highlighting how different observational techniques work together to deepen our understanding of these extraordinary cosmic phenomena.