This association was formed on 15/05/1988 at the initiative and by the blessing of Prof. N. V. V. J. Swamy of Oklohoma State University U.S.A. who was a visiting faculty at Surashtra University, Physics Deptt.

     The main aims and objectives of the association where (I) to popularize astronomy and astrophysics among students and teachers (II) to disseminate correct information about A & A and win away people at large from myths and misconceptions.

     1988 being Sir C.V. Raman birth centenary year it was decided to prepare an exhibition on various topics of astronomy & astrophysics as a tribute to him. The exhibition consisted mainly hand written posters in vernacular with relevant photographs it was inaugurated by Dr. S.W. Charles from U. K. on national science day in 1989. Its been exhibited in 1991 at Bhavnagar University Physics Deptt. and in 2000 at Kadvibai Kanya Vidyalay at Rajkot.

      In 1991 July – August and in October we conducted a basic course in astronomy for amateur. Students, teachers as also bankers etc. participated. Swami Jitatmanand of Ramkrishna Ashram Rajkot gave a valedictory lecture at the end of first course. At the end of course in October Prof. J. N. Desai of PRL delivered a lecture.

      Next important event was TSE-95. Late Prof. N. C. Rana visited Rajkot and delivered lecture about total solar eclipse as well as what all studies can be conducted during the eclipse. Mr. Nilesh Vayda discussed how it should be photographed. About 24 persons went to Kotputli in Rajasthan to observe this event on previous day they helped in arranging the detectors for Prof. Rana’s projects at Shahpura. They observed and photographed eclipse from Pragpura. It was an unforgettable experience for all of them.

     In 1997 Prof. Narlikar and Mrs. Narlikar visited Rajkot and the members of the club had a discussion with Prof. Narlikar as well as Prof. P. C. Vaidya what other activity they can conduct incidentally Prof. Swamy too was on a visit to Rajkot at that time and was happy that the club he started was doing well.

     From 1998 some members have been bugged by meteor showers. They observe and send their reports to IMO.

     There was TSE in 1999 and some members went to Kutch for observing. Due to clouds the eclipse could not be observed, though change in light etc. was experienced.

     To fulfill important mission of giving correct scientific information to people about various astronomical events association publishes articles in Gujarati in local news papers and also arrange observations for nonmembers also.

     Whenever possible the lectures of professionals in the field have been arranged. Prof. S. P. Pandya, Prof. S. K. Alurkar, Prof. J. N. Desai, Prof. U. C. Joshi, Dr. J. J. Raval, Dr. Hari Om Vatsa and late Prof. N. C. Mukhopadhyay (U.S.A.) had delivered lecture. The members also participated in amateur astronomers’ meet whenever possible.

     This club has been the meeting ground for any one and every one interested in astronomy. The students who joined this club may go to other places for their studies in chosen fields but wherever they go they spread this interest some former students have now become teachers and are making their students take interest in A & A.

     The association has a 6” reflector (Dobsonian) telescope as well as some members have made small refractors. Personal binoculars too are used for observations.

     The association hopes to go from strength to strength.