Public Astronomical Observatory will be open for the public viewing from 14th November '08, between 19:00 to 21:00 hrs IST, every evening. Observatory is currently closed due to the onset of Monsoons

The Association

  
• About us
• Activities
• Astrokids
• Science Forum
• Join Us
• Contacts

     In the year 1982 due to the zeal and perseverance of a Panjim resident and retired govt. officer Mr. Percival Noronha, the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA) was founded by a group of astronomy enthusiasts in Panjim (Goa). Basically dedicated to the appreciation and popularization of Amateur Astronomy the association was successful in founding The Public Astronomical observatory at Panjim (PAO)…The first public observatory in India to be funded by the government and run voluntarily by an N G O…The Association of Friends of Astronomy.

     In the initial years of formation the Members of AFA concentrated on stabilizing the organization by acquiring telescopes, instruments and infrastructure for the observatory; a modest beginning was also made in starting a library by getting astronomy and science books and subscribing for different magazines. Different activities like school programmes, lectures, study tours, exhibitions, workshops, star parties, competitions, etc were started and are still being sustained by the present members. Presently the observatory is celebrating it Silver Jubilee year.