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SUMMARY:O20 - 12 Years of the NARIT 10-Inch Dobsonian Telescope Project: F
 rom Astronomy School Networks to a Sustainable Astronomical Activity Ecosy
 stem
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261124T024500Z
DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261124T030000Z
DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20261112T144050Z
UID:indico-contribution-884@indico.narit.or.th
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Khomsan Thuree (NARIT - National Astronomical Resear
 ch Institute of Thailand (Public Organization))\nThe 10-inch Dobsonian Tel
 escope Distribution Project\, initiated by the National Astronomical Resea
 rch Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) or NARIT\, marks its 12th 
 anniversary in 2026\, having successfully provided astronomical infrastruc
 ture to over 760 network schools nationwide. Beyond the provision of equip
 ment\, the project strongly emphasizes knowledge transfer through comprehe
 nsive training on telescope installation\, operation\, and fundamental obs
 ervational skills. This approach enables educational institutions to effec
 tively integrate astronomy into both classroom instruction and extracurric
 ular activities.\n\nOver the past 12 years\, the initiative has yielded su
 bstantial outcomes\, evolving from a centralized network into self-sustain
 ing regional and provincial sub-networks. These collaborative groups proac
 tively organize public observations of significant astronomical phenomena 
 and conduct fundamental astronomy research projects\, such as utilizing to
 tal lunar eclipses to observe the parallax of background stars. Furthermor
 e\, the network facilitates inter-school resource pooling\, demonstrated b
 y joint astronomy camps and active participation in NARIT’s Dark Sky Cam
 paign.\n\nThe sustained impact and achievements of this growing network ar
 e annually showcased at the Conference on Astronomy Activities in Schools 
 (CAAS). This conference serves as a dynamic academic platform for network 
 schools to exchange pedagogical experiences and best practices\, while als
 o inviting non-network schools to participate and learn. This paper summar
 izes the project's developmental milestones\, illustrating its successful 
 transformation from basic equipment provision to the establishment of a ro
 bust\, sustainable\, and nationwide ecosystem for astronomical education a
 nd public outreach.\n\nKeywords: Dobsonian Telescope\, Astronomy School Ne
 twork\, Astronomy Education\, Collaborative Learning\, NARIT\, CAAS\n\nhtt
 ps://indico.narit.or.th/event/238/contributions/884/
LOCATION:Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort Ballroom II
URL:https://indico.narit.or.th/event/238/contributions/884/
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