23-25 November 2026
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Mactan, Cebu
Asia/Manila timezone

P20 - Bringing the Universe Closer: Expanding Astronomy Education Through DOST-PAGASA's Mobile Planetarium and Stargazing Outreach Program

23 Nov 2026, 11:30
30m
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Mactan, Cebu

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Mactan, Cebu

Poster Presentation Engaging the Public via Planetariums Poster Session

Speaker

Ruben Cunanan (PAGASA)

Description

The DOST-PAGASA Space Science and Astronomy Section (SSAS) conducts the Mobile Planetarium and Stargazing Outreach Program to bring astronomy education and public engagement activities to schools, government agencies, local communities, and other institutions throughout the Philippines. The program is implemented through DOST-PAGASA-initiated outreach activities during astronomy celebrations and science events, as well as upon request from institutions seeking astronomy lectures and immersive learning experiences.

Outreach activities typically include mobile planetarium shows, lectures on basic astronomy and the night sky, telescope viewing sessions, and discussions of current astronomical events. These activities provide participants with engaging and interactive opportunities to learn about astronomy beyond the traditional classroom setting.

This poster highlights the implementation and geographic reach of the outreach program over the years. A map of outreach locations across different regions of the Philippines will illustrate the extent of DOST-PAGASA's efforts to expand access to astronomy education nationwide. The presentation will also provide an overview of participant demographics, demonstrating that the majority of beneficiaries are students and teachers from elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions.

The poster showcases how mobile planetariums and telescope observing sessions have become effective tools for science communication, strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and inspiring greater public interest in astronomy across the country.

Primary author

Ruben Cunanan (PAGASA)

Co-authors

Girlie Cortez Julie Ann Delda Ma. Rosario Ramos (DOST-PAGASA) Rizzalyn Joy Agustin (DOST-PAGASA) Mr Roumjer Jomes Mojado (DOST-PAGASA) Lordnico Mendoza Jastine Michaela Adduru (DOST-PAGASA)

Presentation Materials

There are no materials yet.