The International Year of Astronomy 2009

Pakistan National Node

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A number of institutions in Pakistan are engaged in educational / observational astronomy. Basic knowledge of the stars, solar system and astronomical phenomena is imparted to the students. Space Science Departments exist in some of the national universities. An Institute of Space Technology (IST) has been established at Islamabad to provide education and training in Space Science and Technology. Another Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics (ISPA) is also functioning in the University of Karachi.

Being the national space agency, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) will act as front-line organization to initiate and execute IYA 2009 plans. SUPARCO will carry out the pertinent national activities in collaboration with IST, PIA Planetarium Karachi, Dr. Shahid Qureshi, ISPA (Karachi University) and Dr. Muhammad Ali, Space Science Department (Punjab University, Lahore).

Programs of IYA 2009

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SUPARCO as leading space agency of Pakistan will continue to organize astronomy related activities to achieve the goals of IYA 2009. Lectures, Seminars and Exhibitions will be organized for public particularly the youth to promote awareness and knowledge. Interactive workshops and educational program are also being planed, such as:

Training programs for teachers / scientists in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics in order to establish a comprehensive group of teachers

Lectures and exhibitions in collaboration with universities and educational institutes

Telecast of astronomical programs and documentaries through electronic media

Star gazing through out the country with the help of small telescopes (Galileoscopes)

Seek collaboration for the establishment of an astronomical observatory and related studies in this field