Immerse yourself in an extremely rare and unique retreat that will teach you all you desire to know about Ancient Indian Astronomy and fortify that learning with night-time observations using telescopes and binoculars.
Guiding you on this journey is Dr. Raj Vedam, an avid Backyard Astro-photographer, Engineer and Historian, who also teaches a course on Ancient Indian Astronomy at HUA.
You will explore the methods and measurements of ancient Indian astronomy, delving into fascinating details about this ancient science.
The excitement doesn’t stop there – The crisp December nights will provide exceptional opportunities to observe Nakshatras, Planets, Galaxies and Nebulae. With powerful telescopes at our disposal, we will help you take breathtaking photos of deep space objects. [Note: Cloud-free skies cannot be guaranteed.]
This retreat is now closed for registration. Please register your interest for a future retreat using the button below.
Astronomy in Vedic texts: Insights into Ancient Indian Wisdom
The Celestial Calendar of Ancient India & Marking the Passage of Time
How Ancient Indians measured & calculated Mean & True Motion of Sun, Moon and Planets
Selected Indian Astronomers & Their Key Works
Stories as Encoders of Astronomical Knowledge Wisdom
Use of Planetarium Software to Track & Understand the Night Sky
Antiquity & Fascinating Facts about Indian Astronomy
Identification of Nakshatras in the Night Sky
Introduction to Astrophotography: Capturing Celestial Objects
Register your interest here
Our Expert - Dr. Raj Vedam
Dr. Raj Vedam, a faculty member at Hindu University of America, is known for his interdisciplinary research into ancient Indian knowledge systems, particularly in astronomy, science, and mathematics. He brings a unique perspective on Indian astronomy, highlighting profound insights recorded in Vedic texts which document celestial events with remarkable precision.
An avid backyard astronomer and astrophotographer since 1995, Dr. Vedam combines his engineering expertise, study of trajectory planning for space missions, and deep interest in the mathematics of orbits, which led to his study of ancient Indian methods for predicting planetary movements. He engages students in exploring how ancient India’s understanding of the cosmos influenced both scientific and cultural paradigms. At HUA, he teaches courses on Indian astronomy, offering an evidence-based view of India’s intellectual heritage.
Location and Costs
Cost
Shared Chalets:
$700 per person
$1350 for a family of 2
Shared House:
$500 per person
$1800 for a family of 4
Shared Chalets:
$800 per person
$1500 for a family of 2
Shared House:
$550 per person
$1900 for a family of 4
Location
Nestled in Groveland's serene hills, Pine Lake Retreat Center is an idyllic haven for hosting transformative retreats. With state-of-the-art facilities, it provides the perfect backdrop for the Ayurveda, Yoga, Chakra, and Raga Chikitsa Retreat and Learning. The tranquil ambiance fosters holistic well-being, offering a refuge to escape daily pressures. From tailored yoga sessions to immersive Chakra healing, the experienced staff ensures a seamless journey towards rejuvenation. Pine Lake Retreat's commitment to individual growth, combined with its stunning natural surroundings, creates an unparalleled environment for participants to delve deep into self-discovery and spiritual nourishment. Visit Pine Lake Retreat Center for an enriching retreat experience.
Pine Lake Retreat, near Orlando, Florida, offers excellent dark skies, as shown in the pollution map here. Classified as Bortle Class 4, it ensures minimal light pollution, providing optimal conditions for stargazing.
Bortle Scale Illustration
Orlando is classified as Bortle Class 9, indicating significant light pollution and poor visibility of celestial objects. In contrast, Pine Lake Retreat falls under Bortle Class 4, offering a vastly superior night sky experience—five levels better than Orlando—enabling excellent nighttime observation."
Weather
Temperature: Nighttime temperatures in Groveland, FL average around 50°F, as shown below. It is advisable to wear appropriate warm clothing for extended stargazing sessions from 8 PM to midnight.
Clear Sky Forecast: While clear skies cannot be guaranteed, on the average we can expect a 57% chance for clear skies in December as seen in this graph.
Chances of Rain
On the average, there is only a 16 to 17% chance of rain during the December retreat as shown below.
About Pine Lake Retreat Center
Nestled in Groveland's serene hills, Pine Lake Retreat Center is an idyllic haven for hosting transformative retreats. With state-of-the-art facilities, it provides the perfect backdrop for the Ayurveda, Yoga, Chakra, and Raga Chikitsa Retreat and Learning. The tranquil ambiance fosters holistic well-being, offering a refuge to escape daily pressures. From tailored yoga sessions to immersive Chakra healing, the experienced staff ensures a seamless journey towards rejuvenation. Pine Lake Retreat's commitment to individual growth, combined with its stunning natural surroundings, creates an unparalleled environment for participants to delve deep into self-discovery and spiritual nourishment. Visit Pine Lake Retreat Center for an enriching retreat experience.
