People throughout the world have always been intrigued by astronomical discoveries. It's these discoveries that contain the truth of our existence and the truth of our significance in the great cosmos. Inclusion of this subject that is frequently described as the "mother of all sciences" will help the current and future generations to dispel misconceptions we may have about how the universe, space, and life itself were created. It can help us to break the barriers between reality and perceptions related to our origin. Astronomy in the Indian educational system is needed for a variety of reasons, from fostering a scientific mindset to fostering global cooperation. Global cooperation, because, after all, we all live under the same sky.
Astronomy : Enabler of Primed Future
The subject inclusion in Indian education system will have its own advantages for the future learners as it will-
Imbibe scientific temperament
Scientific temperament has been the key to human evolution. It is this temperament that has led us to become aware of the fact that the earth isn’t flat but spherical. And it is this very temperament that forms the roots of astronomy. Astronomy has answers as to why we experience the phases of the moon when all the while the moon in reality remains spherical. It has answers about constellations, planet movements, and much more. Its study can help learners to know why our ancestors' advised us to stay indoors during solar eclipses and the truth behind this urban legend. And, by the reason of incorporating this scientific temperament, even NEP 2020 acknowledged the value of astronomy as a subject.
Furthermore, a single lesson about the solar system won't do justice to astronomy and it's vast fascinating knowledge out there. A more elaborated curriculum of astronomy will be required to involve learners in this interesting subject. DIY kits, telescope handling, lab setups for space education, and many other advanced sophisticated optic resources can be used to provide hands-on learning experiences to impart this specialized and invaluable kind of education.
Advance Interdisciplinary learning
Astronomy is a discipline that incorporates observations, simulations, experiments, and analysis, all of which can support a scientific temperament and encourage rational thought. As a part of its coursework, telescopic views of moon craters and Saturn's rings can be done while simultaneously helping students learn how these things affect our life and, for that matter, the entire cosmos. Astronomy can help kids develop their innate curiosity and scientific temperament while also instilling in them a lifelong lesson in humility. Its inclusion in the education system can also help to better understand our traditional Indian knowledge and scriptures.
Debunk Myths
When we talk about our diverse Indian culture, we confront a variety of customs, religious beliefs, and cultural practices. But it's also loaded with urban legends that keep us from investigating and comprehending the cosmos for real. Therefore, it is crucial to disprove these notions and provide the following generations with the tools they need to advance astronomy and space science.
Find a New Home
Astronomy as a subject will be crucial to support the researches that are being conducted to find a new ‘earth’ as well as to transport and support life elsewhere in the universe. Therefore, by including it as a subject in the education system, the budding Indian scientists will be better equipped with information for their research.
Enable Exploration of New Opportunities
Additionally, it will make way for new business prospects. The beneficiary of the astronomy education may gain access to prominent space organizations like ISRO and NASA or may even get the opportunity to engage in private entrepreneurship prospects involving innovation and technology in the same field.
Indian education still, however, falls behind in incorporating the true potential of astronomy as a subject. But, gradual steps are already being undertaken by several private enterprises and organizations to encourage and back astronomy-related holistic learning. It still, however, has a long way to go to become a part of the common school curriculum.
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Conclusion
Given the incredible value connected with astronomy, being an astronaut must have been a common childhood desire for everyone. But of these millions of entranced dreamers, barely 500 could make it to outer space. In the near future, there will soon be a greater need for astronauts and astronomical discoveries, therefore, having astronomy and space science as a foundation course as a part of curriculum will spark students' interest in the field and provide doors for future employment.
