The popularisation of amateur astronomy is carried out not only at the PAO but also outside it, through programmes as detailed below : -

    The Government of Goa, through the Department of Science, Technology & Environment (DSTE), has set up in 1990 the Public Astronomical Observatory (PAO) at Junta House (7^th Floor – Terrace), Panjim. It is managed by the Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa), a NGO aided by the Government of Goa for the purpose of popularizing science through the subject of astronomy

 The Observatory is open from 14^th November to 31^st May i.e. during the fair season only.  It operates in the evening, from 19:00 to 21:00 hours, on all days including Sundays and public holidays.  No fees are charged for the visitors.

i) Evening Astronomical Programmes

            Evening lectures on topics of popular astronomy and illustrated with slides, are conducted by the members of the Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) in schools, colleges, clubs, camps or in any socio-cultural or scientific organisation.  These lectures are followed by observational astronomy programmes with the aid of low powered telescopes, thus utilizing the sky as an easily available laboratory to develop practical astronomy among young students and teachers.  On an average, 60 programmes are conducted during each viewing season.  These programmes are free of cost and are arranged after formal written request by the head of institution to AFA (Goa).

ii) Workshops for Teachers / Students

                Annual workshops on the basics of astronomy are conducted for the benefit of teachers / students for updating their knowledge on the subject.

iii) Astro-Kids Programmes

            Animated programmes on popular astronomy specially meant for children from 6 to 10 years.

iv) Lectures / Conferences

            Occasional lectures and conferences by renowned astrophysicists / scientists / scholars etc. 

v) Via Lactea

            A monthly newsletter is published (for life members only) carrying the sky chart of the month with informative articles on the latest trends in astronomy.  It also covers the activities of AFA (Goa).