We have held, in preparation of the Pilot Astronomy Center, several astronomy camps in schools near the Center. This is in accordance with the key outreach tasks that are described in our proposal for the months of February through May. The camps were geared to educate students and general public regarding basic astronomy. The assembled students (grade 5 through 10) were quizzed formally about their astronomy knowledge. It also involved observations of the sun, moon and the planets, a partial solar eclipse and a mercury transit. Basic ideas about optics and workings of telescopes were also discussed with the students during these camps. Through these camps we have reached out to over 2,000 young people; we expect to incorporate them in our Center.
Regarding the purchase of the equipment we are slightly behind our schedule. This circumstance arose due to the hassle in releasing the IAU money from the bank in Bangladesh. As every single transaction is scrutinized by the Bangladesh Government it took several months to obtain the money. We have already purchased the OPTEC photometer and a Canon 6D DSLR camera. Currently we are in the process of purchasing the spectrometer and the CCD camera.
Here we present photos of seven astronomy camps in preparation of the Science Center:
Event 1: February 6, 2016
Bhitipara KHK High School, Sreepur, Gazipur
Sky Observation, Astronomy Quiz and Discussion
Organized by Anushandhitshu Chokro Science Organization
This is a target school which is near the Astronomy Center.
Event 2: February 19, 2016
Arjun Anwesha Library, Haji Ismail Khan College, Bhuapur, Tangail
Sky Observation, Astronomy Quiz and Discussion
This school and the library is about 100 km from the Pilot Astronomy Center. However, we have built a close working relation with the organizers of the library who will be valuable participants of the Astronomy Center.
Event 3: March 9, 2016
Partial Solar Eclipse Camp
Near Dhaka
Event 4: March 14, 2016
Astronomy Camp
Bagherbazar High School, Gazipur
This is a target school which is very near the Astronomy Center.
Event 5: 26th March, 2016
Astronomy Camp
Madhkhola English Education School
Sreepur, Gazipur
This is another target school near the Astronomy Center
Event 6: April 25, 2016
Astronomy Camp
Samir Mia High School, Kurigram
Event 7: May 9, 2016
Mercury Transition camp, near Dhaka
