Astronomy Education and Outreach in Nepal

Astronomy Education and Outreach in Nepal

Presented atMEARIM II, Cape Town, April 2011

Sudeep NeupaneResearch Scholar, Cosmology and Astrophysics Research Group, TU

Founder Vice President, Nepal Astronomical Society NASO

What’s in Nepal…..

Panorama of Himalayas from Kathmandu Valley

What’s in Nepal…..• Traditional Calendar made by

Astrologers. Lunar and solar eclipse are predicted according to this and found to be accurate.

What’s in Nepal…..

Astrologers in the street of Kathmandu

Why Astronomy is important for the developing world?

Astronomy develops the scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform among students, working professionals and general masses.

Astronomy makes people especially students think logically and reasonably.

Astronomy broadens the knowledge of human beings.

Astronomy generates source of income through Astro-tourism, telescopic observations ,etc.

Astronomy creates lots of research opportunities.Astronomy has key role for popularizing science

How is the development…

Awareness of

astronomical facts like meteor

showers, eclipse etc.

Observational Activities is increasing the number of

people believe science

Reducing superstitious

beliefs

Encouraging people to do study and research

Development of the society

Astronomy Education Status• Astronomy is included in Environment and

Science in primary Education which covers 10% of the total course

• Astronomy is included in Science lower Secondary and Secondary Level which contains 10% of the total course

• In Higher Secondary Level 5% of the total course is covered by astronomy

• For undergraduate level(3 years), there is no specific astronomy course but a few astronomy related topics are included in physics.

• Tribhuvan University was founded in 1959 A.D., they offered mathematical astronomy under B.A. honors during 1959-1971 A.D.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is an independent apex body established in 1982 to promote of science and technology in the country.

It undertake studies/reports on the achievements of S&T in the country.

It advises the Government on formulation technology transfer policy and its implementation.

It organizes Science Congress in every four years. Last one was on Nov 10-12,2008

In 1986, NAST organized the first official observation programme to observe comet Holmes’ which boosted the amateur community.(Dr. Rishi SHAH was the coordinator of this historical public observation in Nepal)

B.P. Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum Development Board

• Government of Nepal has established B.P. Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum Development Board in 1992 in order to establish Planetaria, Observatories and Science Museums in Nepal & to facilitate research activities in the area of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology.

• The observatory is now ready located at Nagarkot Bhaktaur (2100m)

• The planetarium and Science Museum are still under construction.

Astronomy in University

Universities:• Tribhuvan University• Purbanchal University• Nepal Sanskrit University• Kathmandu University• Pokhara University• Lumbini Buddha University• Lumbini Bouddha University*• Mid-Western University

Birendranagar*• Far-Western University Kanchanpur*• Nepal Agriculture and Forestry

University*

There are 10 universities in Nepal but Tribhuvan University solely offers masters in Astrophysics and Cosmology

* proposed

Cosmology and Astrophysics Research Group http://astronepal.webs.com/

A group of young astronomers working in the field of astronomy in Tribhuvan University.

Yearly some 20 students are enrolled for dissertation in this group.

The group around 10 publications each year

Development plans• Nepal Government has ambitious 20 year satellite launch plan. (Passed in

2010 by the cabinet meeting)

• University planning commission has determined plan to run astronomy and astrophysics department within five years.

• Nepal Academy of science and Technology has been planning to initiate Space Technology Center.

• Tribhuvan University has the plan to establish Nuclear Technology Center, detail plans are under consideration.

• Tribhuvan University has planned to produce 500 astrophysicists and cosmologists within 5 years.

Outreach activities in Nepal

Astronomy CommunityNepal Astronomical Society (NASO)http://astronomy-nepal.blogspot.com/Galileo Astronomical Society of Pokhara NepalKosmandu Astronomy Club,kathmanduBalmiki Campus,KathmanduTakshashila Academy,KathmanduAIM Astro Club,Kathmandu

What Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) is doing?

NASO organizes star parties, talk shows, workshops, seminars, conferences, astro-schools in different places.

NASO gives press releases on different astronomical events.

NASO facilitate especial lectures on different topics on astronomy for school children/undergrad students collaborating with relevant institutions.

NASO participates in global events.

NASO participation in global events

Astronomy outreaches

• Awareness on stars, planets & other entities of universe with proper expounding of bewildering phenomena as eclipses and mysteries surrounding astronomy, if executed at regular basis could contribute to improving and uplifting the general thinking of Nepalese people and especially of younger generation.

Astronomy outreaches

Observation programme in Nawal Parasi, West Nepal, 2009

Observation programme in Nawal Parasi, West Nepal, 2009

Observation programme in Nawal Parasi, West Nepal, 2009

Observation programme in Nawal Parasi, West Nepal, 2009

Observation programme in Nawal Parasi, West Nepal, 2009

Astronomy outreach from general public, young generations to decision makers

Talk Programme at HVP, Lalitpur, 2009Talk programme in Parbat, West Nepal

Observation programme in Tehrathum, 2010

Astronomy outreaches

Global Astronomy Month 2010

NASO in Sky and Telescope

Outreach plans

NASO has an ambitious plan to reach 10000 people to the telescope EACH YEAR

NASO plans to establish its own planetarium within 2 years

NASO has a undergoing plan to built HUMAN ORRERY

NASO has a extension project to built astro-clubs through out the country (at least one in each district)

NASO has an especial school project with N-PABSON and PABSON to conduct teachers training and workshops for teachers and students.

What’s needed for the developing world…

Academic collaborations

Joint Research Projects

Involvement in global development planning

Especial funds

Participation in global events/meetings/seminars

IAU should focus on least developed regions for the regional events.

Why in Cape Town not in other part of Africa??

Many more things aheadPlans..

strategiescollaborations

Plans..Plans..

Plans..

collaborations

collaborations

collaborations

Policies..

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION