As the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach-National Outreach Coordinator and the Philippines' primary agency for astronomical services, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) has been providing free and accessible astronomy education outreach, continuously adapting...
This presentation examines how popular culture, including animation, music, films, and K-pop, can be used to bring astronomy closer to Thai audiences. It presents a selection of successful social media posts that linked popular topics with astronomical ideas, helping the content reach people beyond the usual science audience.
The presentation will also discuss how these connections were...
Planetariums offer a unique opportunity to bring abstract scientific concepts to life — from the impossibly small to the incomprehensibly vast. This presentation explores how we have leveraged the immersive planetarium environment to engage two key audiences: schools and the public. For schools, we design experiences that connect curriculum content with 21st Century Competencies, fostering...
Astronomy communicators are expected to create articles, social media posts, videos, podcasts, and educational materials for different audiences, often while working in small teams with limited time and resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new ways to support this work, but it also brings new challenges, especially in multilingual settings where scientific terminology and local...
Communicating astronomy in the Philippines involves addressing challenges such as a limited curriculum, insufficient teacher training, and infrastructure constraints while leveraging emerging technologies and fostering multi-sector collaborations. This paper is a meta-analysis of empirical studies, program evaluations, policy reviews and case studies, surrounding the conduct of communicating...
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has consistently conducted astronomy workshop programs to enhance the capacity of in-service teachers since its establishment in 2009. The primary objective is to elevate teachers' subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical skills, which directly translates to the improved learning outcomes of their students. To ensure the...
Children are natural questioners, and their curiosity about the world around them often leaves adults searching for answers. Science, particularly astronomy, is part of our daily life. Children’s questions are inseparable from a starry night sky, a moon that always follows us, and a big yellow sun in the day. As a child's primary educators and first points of reference, parents are expected to...
Astronomy education has received more interest in recent years, with growing demand for professional astronomical resources. However, accessibility gaps remain a recurring problem in many regions around the world. To help bridge this gap and promote equal access to educational opportunities, the ITCA Teacher Training Workshop was developed for international audiences. The primary objective of...
In the social media age, scary headlines and false astronomy news spread quickly, creating confusion and public panic. Science communicators need more than just hard facts. We need fast and practical ways to handle these digital rumors.
This presentation shares real life lessons from the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) on acting as a trusted source for...
Astronomy serves as a potent catalyst for advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, leveraging its inherent visual appeal to stimulate intellectual curiosity regarding the cosmos. Within the context of secondary education in Indonesia, however, physics is frequently delivered through a predominantly theoretical lens, often lacking clear links to practical...
Astronomical events occur throughout the year, yet many remain unnoticed due to limited access to reliable, timely, and easy-to-understand astronomy information. To enhance public engagement, the DOST-PAGASA Space Science and Astronomy Section produces the Astronomical Diary Video Series, a monthly astronomy video presentation derived from the agency's Astronomical Diary Press Release and...
Astronomy is one of the most inspiring subjects in the school science curriculum, but teaching it in a standard classroom comes with challenges. Most lessons rely heavily on flat 2D images, diagrams, and textbook explanations. As a result, many students struggle to clearly understand complex concepts, such as the scale of the universe, planetary motions, and space missions. Planetariums offer...
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT) has developed astronomy festivals under "Starry Night" series, with the aim of bringing astronomy beyond observatories into public spaces, promoting science awareness, while supporting dark sky awareness and astrotourism.
These programs were designed as interactive Astronomy Festivals, anticipating wide...
The concept of a Celestial Sphere is among the concepts in astronomy that many find least intuitive to understand. This is an area where a handheld model can help immensely in visualizing the concept. However, a bad model can hinder a person's ability to understand while a good model can be cost-prohibitive and the amount limitations prevents it from being hands-on. In this work we attempt to...
Astronomy and space science remain among the fields that receive limited exposure in formal education, creating a need for accessible and community-driven science engagement initiatives. The Valenzuela City League of Astronomy Enthusiasts (V-CLUE) was established to address this gap by promoting astronomy and space science in Valenzuela City and the wider CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas,...
In Southeast Asia, there is a growing need by governments like those of the Philippines and Vietnam to develop their country’s respective space industries. The ability to do quality astronomy research, while not directly leading to economic gains, is a marker of academic prestige that could also be a useful part of nation building narratives these governments espouse. Corollary to these...
Established in 2015 and hosted by the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) in Armenia, the International Astronomical Union’s South West and Central Asian Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (SWCA ROAD) has spent a decade connecting people and institutions through astronomy. Bringing together Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Türkiye, the Regional Office promotes...
Astronomy is a globally recognized field that inspires people of all ages and serves as a powerful gateway to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is dedicated to advancing astronomy and astrophysics through scientific research, education, and public outreach. One of its key educational initiatives is the...
In the Philippines, the growing interest in astronomy and the continued development of the astronomy community provide a dynamic context for astronomy education and science communication initiatives. One such educational opportunity is the internship program implemented by the Space Science and Astronomy Section of DOST-PAGASA, which provides students from diverse educational backgrounds with...
The study of Astronomy has established a reputation as fundamentally visual, but the desire to give visually impaired and blind people access to astronomy has long been pursued. Limited resources have impeded our curiosity about the cosmos, especially when studying complex celestial objects like galaxies. Even though telescopes offer useful astronomical image resources, there is a necessity to...
The 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope Distribution Project, initiated by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) or NARIT, marks its 12th anniversary in 2026, having successfully provided astronomical infrastructure to over 760 network schools nationwide. Beyond the provision of equipment, the project strongly emphasizes knowledge transfer through comprehensive...
Astronomy education relies heavily on visual and text-based instructional materials, creating learning challenges for students with dyslexia due to difficulties in reading and language processing. Although sonification has emerged as an alternative method for representing scientific data through sound, its application in astronomy education remains limited. This study presents a sonification...
Most remote areas of Mindanao offer breathtaking views of the stars, planets, and constellations. But despite of this natural wonder, knowledge in astronomy remains limited, leaving these communities without the tools to fully appreciate and understand the celestial beauty above them. Realizing this gap, the DOST-PAGASA Mindanao Planetarium team has taken significant steps to bring astronomy...
Astronomy is for everyone, yet connecting with broader audiences takes deliberate effort. To reach the full diversity of human backgrounds, abilities and motivations, Science Centre Singapore (SCS) has taken a range of intentional approaches, such as building multiple entry points for non-enthusiasts; designing experiences for diverse abilities and availabilities; and refreshing programmes for...
In recent years, LED technology has begun to replace traditional projection technology in planetariums through the use of active screens powered by millions of individual LEDs. While this technology enables higher brightness and contrast, international vendors face unique challenges caused by LEDs, especially in relation to the dark environments typical of planetariums. This paper describes...
Individuals in mental health recovery often face barriers to participating in science outreach and informal STEM learning, highlighting the need for more accessible and inclusive approaches to astronomy communication. This study proposes a multimodal astronomy visualization program designed to promote meaningful engagement with astronomy among volunteers in mental health recovery who have...
Hands-on activities can significantly improve engagement and understanding in astronomy education, yet many educational resources remain expensive, difficult to obtain, or lack the level of scientific accuracy required for effective astronomy education.
I will introduce iw3D Studio, a project focused on developing open and customizable 3D-printable models for astronomy and STEM education....
Astronomy is traditionally perceived as a highly visual science, often creating significant barriers for individuals with visual impairments. Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of "Leave No One Behind," the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) initiated the "Astronomy for the Visually Impaired" project. This presentation explores the...
This presentation highlights the experience of the mobile planetarium operated by the Syrian Astronomical Association between 2005 and 2011, and its role as an effective tool for astronomy education and public outreach. Through interactive programs, the planetarium reached children, students, and the wider community across different regions, fostering scientific curiosity, promoting interest...
Over the years, digital sky surveys have produced extensive archives of astronomical images that are freely available to the public. However, astronomy remains heavily reliant on visual representations, limiting the participation of blind and low-vision individuals in citizen science and reducing opportunities to explore astronomical data through nonvisual means. To address this gap, the Balik...
Malay peribahasa and idioms involving bintang and bulan rarely agree on what the sky is for. In one register, it is mirror: bagai bulan dipagar bintang, (like the moon fenced round by stars), lent to a face of unmatched beauty. In a second, the sky is not borrowed but worn — bintang hati, (the star of one's heart), naming the person loved most, the star not compared to a life but standing in...
The ASEAN Astronomy Camp (AAC) is a regional youth outreach program organized by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the International Training Centre in Astronomy under the auspices of UNESCO (ITCA). Originally established before the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp successfully relaunched in 2025, welcoming students aged 15–19 from across ASEAN and beyond. High...
Across Indonesia, many communities have traditionally used celestial objects as seasonal markers to guide agricultural activities. These knowledge systems represent valuable examples of indigenous astronomical practices that connect observations of the sky with everyday life. However, rapid social and technological changes have contributed to the decline of such traditions, highlighting the...
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, leading many astronomy outreach programs to transition from face-to-face to virtual formats. While most online camps were introduced as temporary solutions, few have continued successfully after the pandemic. This study investigates the factors that have enabled the NAS Online Camp, organized by the National Astronomical...
The Cosmic Comic Strip Contest was organized as part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy celebration in the Philippines. The contest’s theme “Tala’t Lahi: Kuwento ng mga Bituin at Bayan (Stars and Heritage: Stories of the Sky and Our People).” was aimed to promote astronomy through creative storytelling and visual art by encouraging individuals or pairs to produce original comic strips that...
Astronomy education in schools should not be limited to the transmission of content in the classroom. It should provide students with opportunities to ask scientific questions, construct knowledge, present their work, receive academic feedback, and communicate astronomy to others in meaningful ways. This abstract presents KS-AIC 2025: K.S. Astronomical Innovation Conference – Student Academic...
The value of interdisciplinary learning in inspiring greater interest in astronomy among young learners are so important and very significant. Our NOVA (Nature, Observation and Virtual Astronomy) project is an interdisciplinary approach to astronomy education conducted at KUSZA Observatory, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. The aim is to enhance students' learning experience at the observatory...
Inspiring youth to pursue astronomy requires authentic learning experiences that combine hands-on practice with meaningful connections to the local context. Such an approach helps make science more accessible, engaging, and relevant to learners. Based on this concept, the Regional Observatory for the Public, Khon Kaen (ROP-KKN), under the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand...
This study explores the indigenous astronomical knowledge of the Bontoc people in Barangay
Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines, and its continuing influence on subsistence
practices, language, and sociocultural identity. As Ambrosio (2010) notes, the ways celestial
bodies are interpreted often depend on the natural resources available in the area and the daily
activities of...
In the part, "Astronomy Camp" was a relatively new concept in Thailand, with most youth having no prior experience in astronomy. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) recognized this gap and organized “NARIT Youth Camp” (NYC) under the theme "Play, Learn, and Stargaze." The goal is to foster a positive attitude towards learning astronomy among Thai youth by allowing...
The DOST-PAGASA Space Science and Astronomy Section has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at fostering the participation of women and girls in astronomy through inclusive education, outreach, and experiential learning. Since 2022, these efforts have evolved from awareness-building activities, beginning with the webinar Recognizing the Women and Girls in Philippine Astronomy, to more...
The VC Astronomy Club was established to cultivate students as competent astronomy ambassadors by integrating scientific knowledge, observational skills, leadership, and science communication into a sustainable educational framework. The program addresses the challenge of delivering high-quality astronomy education in an urban environment where severe light pollution significantly restricts...
Light pollution is an increasing environmental concern that diminishes night sky visibility, limits opportunities for astronomical observation, and reduces public engagement with the natural night sky. This study developed and evaluated a Star-Counting Grid Frame, a low-cost and standardized observational tool designed to support astronomy education, citizen science, and community-based...
Between 2020 and 2026, Thailand has made significant progress in the development of satellites, scientific payloads, and spacecraft missions. As the number and complexity of these projects continue to grow, one challenge becomes increasingly important: how can engineers and scientists communicate their missions to the public in a way that is accurate, engaging, and easy to...
Since 2021, over 110 sites in Thailand have been designated as dark sky areas by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). In addition to the focus on preserving pristine and pollution-free sky, Amazing Dark Sky in Thailand project also focus on the raising awareness on the issue of light pollution and promoting “Dark Sky tourism” as an engine for sustainable...
For nearly three decades, Astronomy Night at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main Campus has been an overnight observational astronomy event integrated into the school's Earth Science program. Though never mandated by curriculum, it has run almost without interruption, missing only two years during the pandemic. Each year, students spend a night mapping the sky and using telescopes...
Artificial light at night poses significant challenges to astronomy, biodiversity, human health, and cultural heritage, yet the Philippines currently lacks a coordinated national initiative for dark sky conservation. This study aims to develop an organizational framework for establishing and expanding a Philippine DarkSky chapter during its first year of operation. Using an action research...
Astronomy is often taught to primary students through facts and memorization, despite its potential for visual, spatial, and inquiry-based learning. This practice paper presents ASTRO KIDS SUMMER CAMP, a one-day learning framework developed by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). It aims to translate abstract space-science concepts into tangible experiences through...
Astrotourism is increasingly recognised as a form of sustainable tourism that connects astronomical observation, environmental conservation, science communication, and place-based experience. However, developing astrotourism in established tourism destinations remains challenging, particularly in areas affected by light pollution, tropical weather, seasonal cloud cover, dense tourism activity,...
Are we alone in the universe? To answer this fundamental question of humankind, the search for life (as we know it) beyond Earth has long been both an attraction and a challenge, not only for researchers directly involved but also for many others. In fact, discovering life beyond Earth will be a scientific breakthrough with implications that extend beyond the scientific sphere, affecting all...
Dark and quiet skies are essential for astronomical observations, scientific research, and preserving humanity's connection to the night sky. However, awareness of light pollution and the importance of protecting dark skies is often limited, even among employees working within institutions that support meteorology and astronomy. To promote greater appreciation of the night sky and strengthen...
Equitable access to astronomy engagement opportunities is essential for promoting scientific literacy, public participation in science, and sustained interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, despite the continued growth of astronomy communication initiatives in the Philippines, the national distribution, institutional landscape, and accessibility...
