Astronomy connects all of us. While the sky looks slightly different based on your location, when put together it is our common heritage. Understanding the differences helps us to understand the connections. In this guest post, Megan Ray Nichols briefly explains those connections, thus underlining how local perspectives can contribute to …
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As the most recent addition to the IAU’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), I’ve a lot to live up to. Just read the previous posts on this blog to get some idea. No pressure! But, let me introduce myself. I’m Vanessa McBride, Astronomer at the OAD since January 2017. For me the …
We have created a toolkit for setting up a physics or astronomy student club. The guide is aimed at university undergraduates who wish to start their own student society. Download the folder at the link below for the full guide, as well as some additional resources. What is a physics …
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When Wanda Diaz Merced lost her sight in her early 20s, her dreams of studying stars in the visually oriented scientific world suffered a major setback — until she discovered “sonification,” a way to turn huge data sets into audible sound using pitch, duration and other properties. Merced realized that …
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I am pretty sure that each and every one of us has their own relationship with the discipline of astronomy. According to me, astronomy is quite an interesting discipline of science as it is mind-boggling; it basically broadens one’s curiosity. Coming from a media studies background means that often times …
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Astronomy for Development: Recognition and Consolidation On the 30th March 2016, just before the start of GAM2016, the work of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) was recognized through a very special international event in Edinburgh, UK – the award of the 2016 Edinburgh Medal. This award has …
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Dr. Wanda Diaz is a sight-impaired astrophysicist who uses sound for conducting Astronomy research instead of visual information. She is currently a visiting fellow at the OAD, working on tools and methods to assist people with different learning styles to learn, enjoy and contribute to Science. She wrote this post …
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Last month, I briefly visited the town of Sutherland with two other colleagues. It is a town located about 350km from Cape Town. Its altitude, relative isolation and arid conditions make it a perfect spot for optical observations and hence is the pride of South African Astronomy. The town itself is a …
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Astronomy for Development is inherently a global idea, cutting across all geographical and most human barriers. It has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few years. With the establishment of Regional Offices across the globe, there are more stakeholders than ever before. It is now critical to stick to the …
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If you would like to set up an Astronomy Club, the information here serves as a starting guide. The first step is to understand what kind of club you want to start. There are aspects or characteristics, such as the target audience, that will help you define your club. For instance, …
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