Traversing through the stars | Naneghat

Ever since I was a kid, I've always had an undying fascination towards the sky. Yes, by that I mean the airplanes, the birds, moon and not to forget the twinkling stars. 

They have been shining right out there from a distance I cannot even measure. For the "love" of stars I experienced some real encounter last summers, around the same time at Naneghat, Maharashtra.
An exciting and thrilling journey along with fellow stargazers and photographers was my first interaction towards the detail observing and understanding of the sky. Alongwith the fellow mates, we navigated through Thane, Sahad, Malshej Ghats, Shivneri and finally reached foothills of Jivedhan just before the sunset. Breath-taking views of Bhairavgad, Nanacha Anghta, and other majestic forts and points around Naneghat plateau.

They taught us how to pitch a tent there, along-with how to set the telescope for setting the night full of starry dreams just about time. Reached there around evening, with a welcome "chaai" drink and all set with our quilts outside the tents to witness the lingering night obliterated further.

The astronomy expert helped us catch the glimpse to many secrets the night had revealed for us. We spotted Andromeda galaxy, Beehive clusters, Nebulae, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Cetus, Gemini, Hercules, Leo, Perseus, Ursa major, Kritikka, SaptaRishi and so on.

Indian and Greek mythological stories were more like the tales our mothers used to narrate when kids. I felt like that inquisitive child who wanted to hide in the nocturnal mist.
We saw the Jupiter along with its 4 moons with the help of the telescope, it felt mystical. I had never imagined I could see this planet I had only read about in school. Further, also Saturn with the rings around it had a story of its own. The whispy night spelled magic, though it drizzled a little - but the whole idea of lying down for the entire night under the blanket of stars and constellations took my breath away.

There were fellow friends who had some extremely technical gadgets including the tripod stands, professional cameras for the purpose of "shooting" the stars, literally. They set their cameras on motion shutter throughout the night to get some beautiful clicks later in the morning.
The morning which followed this wonderful night was equally mesmerizing. Please see the trail of photographs to experience the beauty of this flickering night with the stars, the planets, the moons and some more of our galaxy.

This lil poem that is close to my heart, close to my sky:

I love the stars.
Because they can't say anything.
I love the stars.
Because they do not judge anyone.
I love the stars.
Because they look back when I gaze at them.
I love the stars.
Because they make beautiful glitters up there. 
And yes, I love the stars and always will.
Because I wait for the dark night when 
"Stargazing and fingers entwined" becomes
a living dream.

For the love of travel tales, views and mind-images - keep travelling, inspiring and winning the world.

Love,
Vinita