The Universe Belongs to
Everyone.
DareToDiscover brings at no cost, high-impact Astronomy education directly to audiences across New Jersey who need it most.
About Us
Who We Are
DareToDiscover is a nonprofit built on a straightforward belief: that Astronomy is for everyone. We started small — one founder, one presentation, one school — and have grown into a recognized outreach organization with partnerships spanning science museums, university Astronomy clubs, and schools across New Jersey. We are not affiliated with any school district or government body. We just love this subject, and we think more people should have access to it. Our mission is to create awareness of Astronomy, including its history and instruments used, and generate interest in Astronomy.
What We Do
We visit schools, science fairs, libraries, and community events and deliver Astronomy presentations at no cost and live science demonstrations. Our sessions cover everything from the ancient history of stargazing to modern topics like black holes, the life cycles of stars, and how the James Webb Space Telescope is reshaping our understanding of the early universe. Presentations are tailored to the audience — whether that's a fifth-grade classroom or a high school physics elective — and every session includes time for real questions and conversation.
Why Astronomy
There is something about Astronomy that other subjects struggle to replicate. It stops people. A live view of the Sun through a solar telescope, or a real infrared camera showing the heat coming off your hand — these are moments that tend to stick. We use that natural sense of wonder as a doorway into deeper scientific thinking: the electromagnetic spectrum, stellar physics, the scale of the universe. The goal is never just to impress. It is to make students feel like this subject belongs to them.
How We Work
Every program we offer is at no cost and requires nothing from the school or organization ahead of time. We bring our own materials, we handle our own setup, and we work around your schedule. Schools, libraries, community centers, and event organizers across New Jersey are all welcome to reach out. If you have an audience that would benefit from a genuine conversation about science and the universe, we want to be there.
Eklavya presenting to the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton (AAAP) at the famed Peyton Hall, home of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University
Our Impact
What We Bring to Your School
The Classroom Cosmos Lecture Series
Visually rich presentations on the history of Astronomy and modern astrophysics, tailored by grade level, delivered directly to your school.
Solar Observation Events
Live solar viewing through a Sunspotter telescope, paired with guided explanations of solar physics and space weather.
Infrared & Light Science Workshops
Hands-on demonstrations using infrared camera technology to teach the electromagnetic spectrum and how space telescopes like JWST see the invisible universe.
Science Fair & Community Outreach
Astronomy education booths at science fairs, libraries, and community events — meeting audiences where they are.
Meet the Founder
Eklavya Doegar
Founder & Director of Education
Eklavya Doegar is a science communicator, observational astronomer, and education equity advocate based in New Jersey. He volunteers at the New Jersey State Museum under Dr. Jacob Hamer (Assistant Curator of Planetarium Education), educating museum visitors on infrared light, blackbody radiation, and solar Astronomy.
He is a recognized contributor at the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton — co-founding their first Astronomy group in the club's 60+ year history, co-leading the Unistellar Telescope Observing Project, and presenting findings at Princeton University's Peyton Hall.
DareToDiscover is his commitment to making the universe accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstance.
"By initiating and co-leading the Unistellar Telescope Observing Project, you helped bring state-of-the-art telescope technology to our membership. You also took a lead role initiating the Astronomy group — the first in the club's 60+ year history."
Rex Parker
Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton
"Eklavya learned to operate an infrared camera and a solar telescope, which he used to educate museum visitors about the electromagnetic spectrum, blackbody radiation, and how JWST observes in infrared light."
Dr. Jacob Hamer
Assistant Curator of Planetarium Education, NJ State Museum
Bring the Universe to Your School
All programs are at no cost. If you represent a school, district, library, or community organization, reach out — we will come to you.
Contact Information
Head of Technology & Assistant Researcher
aravm256@gmail.comArav is the Head of Technology & Assistant Researcher at DareToDiscover. He builds and maintains the digital infrastructure for the organization and is passionate about using technology to expand access to science education. He is also available for web development and game development projects — reach out if you need help bringing an idea to life.