Mangaluru: A software engineer is working to transform the skies in Honnavar, a coastal town better known for its sunsets, into a hub for experiential learning. Sandeep Hegde, based in Bengaluru and hailing from Honnavar, is on a mission to bring astronomy and STEM learning closer to rural students through Honatara, a Rural Space Observatory & Education Centre.He told TOI that the name Hontara reflects the vision. ‘Hon’ or ‘Honnu’ in Kannada means gold and is also derived from the place Honnavar, while ‘Tara’, derived from Sanskrit, means star, together symbolising a ‘golden star’. The project is being developed under the Honavar Foundation, where Hegde serves as a trustee.Hontara aims to bridge the gap in access to STEM education between urban and rural areas. “While most observatories are concentrated in urban areas, it should be noted that urban skies are polluted, and even if you want to see stars, it is difficult. Honnavar has clear skies, but not the infrastructure,” he said.The initiative is designed as a community-level science hub, primarily targeting govt school students and anyone with an interest in the cosmos. The proposed facility will feature an outdoor observation zone for night-sky viewing and solar observations, along with hands-on demonstrations. The ground floor will house telescopes for quick deployment during group sessions, while the rooftop observatory will include a motorised 360-degree rotating dome, advanced telescope mounts, controlled lighting, and lightning detectors. Basic amenities such as storage, utilities, drinking water, and sanitation facilities will ensure accessibility for all visitors, he said.The idea has already seen an encouraging public response. At a recent astronomy event in collaboration with the Bangalore Astronomical Society, nearly 800 people turned up. “We had only four telescopes and had to manage 800 people. That clearly shows the level of curiosity,” Hegde said.The observatory plans to install at least 10 additional telescopes. Dedicated staff will be appointed to guide students and manage activities. While access will remain free for local govt school students, the project also aims to sustain itself through astro-tourism. “Honnavar, a growing weekend destination, offers the potential to attract visitors interested in stargazing experiences, helping generate funds for maintenance, staff salaries, and equipment,” Hegde said.The Honatara team has also been actively involved in beach cleaning drives and sea turtle conservation, alongside educational outreach in local schools. The foundation stone for the observatory was laid on Feb 22, with initial support from Vayavya Labs Private Limited. Experts in the field have been advising on technical specifications. So far, a Dobsonian telescope has been procured. Honavar Foundation is actively raising funds to bring the vision to life by the end of 2026, he added.
