Description
Ban Pracha Suksan School has been part of the Astronomical School Network under the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) since 2023. As part of its annual astronomy club activities for the academic year 2024, the school organized the 2nd Young Stargazers Camp: “Let’s Watch the Stars Together.” This is an annual event aimed at promoting astronomical education among youth.
This year, two other astronomy network schools also participated: Chiang Khrua Municipal School (Chiang Khrua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province) and Ban Phu Phek School (Phu Phek Subdistrict, Phanna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon Province).
Objectives of the camp:
To enhance students’ knowledge and skills in astronomical processes.
To encourage students to make productive use of their free time.
To promote self-directed learning in developing students' astronomical potential.
To foster a positive attitude toward astronomy and space science.
Activities:
During the daytime sessions, students learned about stargazing using the Stellarium program, practiced reading star maps, used stargazing mobile applications, learned celestial navigation, compass use, and how to operate telescopes. They also observed the sun and explored a portable planetarium dome, along with gaining basic knowledge on telescope maintenance.
At night, students enjoyed storytelling about constellations and observed celestial objects with the naked eye and through telescopes.
Outcome:
According to post-event surveys, student participants expressed high satisfaction with the camp, indicating the event was both enjoyable and educational.
Keywords: 2nd Young Stargazers Camp, Let’s Watch the Stars Together
