Sunday, July 14, 2024

Seeking Your Insights: Join Our Survey on Hybrid Learning in Astronomy Education!

 πŸŒŸ Calling all educators and astronomy enthusiasts! 🌟

I'm excited to announce that I am part of a research project on the effectiveness of hybrid learning in astronomy education, and I need your help! 

The aim of this study is to explore how hybrid learning, which combines traditional in-person classroom instruction with online or digital learning activities, impacts student performance, engagement, and career progression in the field of astronomy. 

If you're an educator, student, or astronomy enthusiast, I would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey. Your input will contribute to the advancement of astronomy education and help shape the future of learning in this field. 

Please click the link to access the survey and share your valuable insights. Feel free to share it in your circle. Thank you in advance for your support! 


I created this picture using AI :) 

Friday, July 12, 2024

Some Glimpses of Robotic Telescopes in Action

 I'm thrilled to share some highlights from event, "Robotic Telescopes in Action" organized by NCBC, NED-UET. This event showcased the remarkable achievements of students from our previous robotic telescope training workshops, illustrating the profound impact of providing access to robotic telescopes and expert guidance.

Undergraduate students, ranging from first-year to third-year, presented their posters and projects on a diverse array of topics, including star clusters, nebulae, morphological classification of galaxies, and photometry of variable stars. 

A special thanks to Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) and the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) for supporting our initiative.



Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Robotic Telescopes in Action: Student Project Presentations

We are thrilled to invite the participants of our past Robotic Telescopes 101 trainings to present the projects they created with their teachers. These projects, crafted using the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop, are a testament to the impact of our initiative in astronomy education and research with robotic telescopes.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the students who are set to present their research projects using LCO data. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring! A special thank you to Ms. Aiman for her unwavering support and mentorship to the students. Your guidance has been invaluable.

This project, executed by NCBC, NED-UET, and supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and Las Cumbres Observatory, showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering scientific curiosity in the next generation.



Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Highlights from the "Classroom to Cosmos: Robotic Telescope 101" Training for School Teachers

Sharing some glimpses from the 'Classroom to Cosmos: Robotic Telescope 101' training for school teachers, where participants worked on and presented their projects. This two-day intensive workshop, organized by NCBC, NED-UET on June 5-6, 2024, saw enthusiastic participation from teachers across various schools.

I also met three teachers we had trained in our previous workshops in 2022 and 2023. They told me they have been using our workshop material at their schools, which made me feel that all our hard work has paid off.

Monday, May 27, 2024

Exciting New Training: Robotic Telescopes 101 for School Teachers

Following the success of our 'FROM CLASSROOM TO COSMOS: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING' sessions for university students and high school students, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming session tailored for SCHOOL TEACHERS.

🌟 Join us for 'FROM CLASSROOM TO COSMOS: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING' - a 2-Day Training starting from June 5, 2024. Embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the cosmos with the National Center of Big Data & Cloud Computing, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan. This training is supported by Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). 

πŸ”­ Delve into the realms of space exploration with Las Cumbres Observatory Robotic Telescopes and inspire your students, spark curiosity, ignite scientific inquiry, and sharpen their computer skills while enhancing their passion for STEM.

πŸŽ“ Limited Seats Available! Register now to secure your spot. There's NO registration fee!

πŸ“… Registration Form: Link

✔️ Key Details:

Registration is mandatory, and seats are limited.

Participation certificates will be awarded to shortlisted participants upon full attendance during the training.

πŸ“… Important Dates:

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024

Shortlisted Participants Notification: Shortlisted participants will receive notifications by June 3, 2024. Please monitor your registered email address (both inbox and spam folder).

πŸ“§ Contact Us:

For any queries or questions, feel free to reach out to us at events.ncbc@gmail.com.

🌌 Missed the Deadline? Not Shortlisted?

Don't worry! If you missed the deadline or weren't shortlisted for this cohort but are still keen on exploring the cosmos, consider filling out the registration form for upcoming training sessions. We're committed to providing more opportunities to enthusiasts like you.

Let's embark on this cosmic journey!



Friday, May 24, 2024

Celebrating Success: Highlights from Our Robotic Telescopes 101 Training for High School Students

Thrilled to share the group photo from our recent "From classroom to cosmos: Robotic Telescope 101 Training for high school students" organized by National center in big data and cloud computing, NED-UET, where participants embarked on a fascinating journey into the world of robotic telescopes! 

During this intensive 2-day training, students worked collaboratively on group projects, delving into the wonders of the universe and presenting their findings with enthusiasm and passion. The feedback we've received speaks volumes—students not only learned valuable lessons but also relished the experience!

Huge congratulations to all the workshop participants for achieving this milestone! A heartfelt thanks to our amazing teachers, volunteers, and staff. 

The journey doesn't end here! Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming training sessions—more exciting adventures await!



Saturday, May 18, 2024

Exciting Announcement: Robotic Telescopes 101 Training for High School Students!

 Following the success of our 'FROM CLASSROOM TO COSMOS: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING' for university students, where we trained around 100 students, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming session tailored for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

🌟 Join us for 'FROM CLASSROOM TO COSMOS: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING' - a 2-Day Training starting from May 22, 2024. Embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the cosmos with the National Center of Big Data & Cloud Computing, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan.

πŸ”­ Delve into the realms of space exploration with Las Cumbres Observatory Robotic Telescopes. This training is supported by Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). 

πŸŽ“ Limited Seats Available! Register now to secure your spot. There's NO registration fee!

πŸ“… Registration Form: Link

✔️ Key Details:

Registration is mandatory, and seats are limited.

Participation certificates will be awarded to shortlisted participants upon full attendance during the training.

πŸ“… Important Dates:

Registration Deadline: May 20, 2024

Shortlisted Participants Notification: Shortlisted participants will receive notifications by May 21, 2024. Please monitor your registered email address (both inbox and spam folder).

πŸ“§ Contact Us:

For any queries or questions, feel free to reach out to us at events.ncbc@gmail.com

🌌 Missed the Deadline? Not Shortlisted?

Don't worry! If you missed the deadline or weren't shortlisted for this cohort but are still keen on exploring the cosmos, consider filling out the registration form for upcoming training sessions. We're committed to providing more opportunities to enthusiasts like you.

Let's embark on this cosmic journey together!

Friday, May 17, 2024

Celebrating Success: Robotic Telescopes 101 Training Accomplishments

This 4-day training organized by National Center for Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED-UET was designed for university students currently enrolled in a degree program with a major in Astronomy, Space Science, Physics, or Math. 

I would like to congratulate all the workshop participants on achieving this milestone and extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants, teachers, volunteers, and staff for their time and efforts. Special thanks to the Las Cumbres Observatory, and the Royal Astronomical Society for their support.

Stay tuned for our upcoming training sessions!

Group Photo: From Classroom To Cosmos: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING for University Students

Monday, May 6, 2024

Embark on a Cosmic Journey: Join the Robotic Telescopes 101 Training!

 πŸŒŸ From Classroom To Cosmos: ROBOTIC TELESCOPES 101 TRAINING 

πŸš€ For University Students (With Astronomy/Space Science/Physics/Math as major)

πŸ“… 4-Day Training starting from May 9, 2024

Embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the cosmos with the "Robotic Telescopes 101 Training," organized by the National Center of Big Data & Cloud Computing, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan.

πŸ”­ Join us for an immersive experience:

Delve into the realms of space exploration with Las Cumbres Observatory Robotic Telescopes. This workshop is supported by Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). 

πŸŽ“ Limited Seats Available! Register Now:

Seize this golden opportunity! Register now to secure your spot. There's NO registration fee!

πŸ“… Registration Form: Link 

✔️ Key Details:

Registration is mandatory, and seats are limited.

Participation certificates will be awarded to shortlisted participants upon full attendance during the training.

πŸ“… Important Dates:

Registration Deadline: May 8, 2024

Shortlisted Participants Notification: Shortlisted participants will be notified on May 8, 2024. Please monitor your registered email address (inbox and spam folder).

πŸ“§ Contact Us:

For any queries or questions, feel free to reach out to us at events.ncbc@gmail.com

🌌 Missed the Deadline? Not Shortlisted?

Don't worry! If you missed the deadline or weren't shortlisted for this cohort, but are still keen on exploring the cosmos, consider filling out registration form for upcoming training sessions. We're committed to providing more opportunities to enthusiasts like you.

Let's embark on this cosmic journey together! 🌠



Monday, February 12, 2024

Join the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 2024: Explore "Galaxies, Stars, and Dark Energy"!

As an approved teacher and dedicated exam supervisor for the esteemed International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition since 2020, I have continually encouraged my students to participate in this prestigious event. Over the years, witnessing the remarkable achievements of our talented students has been truly inspiring.

Today, I am thrilled to announce that the qualification round for the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 2024 has officially commenced! The theme of this year's qualification round is "Galaxies, Stars, and Dark Energy"

The submission deadline for the qualification round is April 26, 2024. You can download the problem sheet online via link

To aid in your preparations, training problems are available online at this link

I encourage all passionate students to seize this chance to expand their knowledge and showcase their astronomical prowess on the international stage. 

For further details visit



Thursday, February 1, 2024

LAST CALL: Application Deadline Extended for "Reaching for the Moon: Astronomy STEAM Workshop for Teachers"

Are you a passionate teacher eager to make a difference in the classroom? Do you want to inspire future generations with the wonders of the cosmos? This workshop is tailor-made for you!

The extended deadline provides you with one last opportunity to be a part of this transformative workshop.

Extended Deadline: February 4, 2024

How to Apply? Fill out the online application form here.

For further details: See the announcement. 

Let's come together to reach for the moon and beyond, shaping the future through the power of education and inspiration. Apply today and let your passion for teaching illuminate the minds of tomorrow!



Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Celebrating Women and Girls in Astronomy

In the vast cosmos of scientific exploration, women have always been the guiding stars, illuminating the path to discovery with their curiosity, dedication, and brilliance. As we navigate the celestial realms of knowledge, it's crucial to acknowledge the indispensable role women play in advancing science. 

In "Reaching for the Moon: Astronomy STEAM Workshop for Teachers", there is a session dedicated to celebrating the cosmic contributions of women and girls in astronomy—an ode to their resilience. Through our workshop, we aim to foster a community that recognizes, celebrates, and encourages the diverse voices shaping the future of astronomy.


How to Apply? Fill out the online application form here

Application Deadline:  January 31, 2024

Further details: See the announcement

Friday, January 26, 2024

Exciting News! Joined the Radio Galaxy Zoo EMU Education and Outreach Team!

Thrilled to share that I've officially become a member of the Radio Galaxy Zoo EMU Education and Outreach Team, a stellar project proudly endorsed by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development!

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Radio Galaxy Zoo EMU team for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the exploration of our universe through education and outreach initiatives.

We are extending a warm invitation to students and citizen scientists from every corner of our beautiful blue planet to join RGZ EMU. Curious to know more about this cosmic adventure? visit our website.

Meet our enthusiastic team of cosmic enthusiasts by visiting our website.

Let's embark on this astronomical journey together! 


 

 

Thursday, January 18, 2024

A Reflection on My Visit to Cardiff University for Advancing Astronomy Education

Recently, I had the incredible honor of visiting Cardiff University for an in-person talk on "Advancing Astronomy Education: My Role as the IAU OAE National Astronomy Education Coordinator in Pakistan."

It was a truly wonderful experience engaging with passionate individuals actively involved in astronomy and outreach activities in the UK. Meeting like-minded enthusiasts and exchanging ideas was both inspiring and enriching.

A heartfelt thank you to Edward Gomez, LCO Education Director, and Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd for the gracious invitation and the warmest hospitality extended to me during my visit.

Looking forward to continued collaborations and the shared mission of advancing astronomy education globally!


Monday, January 1, 2024

From Daytime Brilliance to Nighttime Wonders: Join us for Mesmerizing Observation Sessions

Join us for mesmerizing observation sessions as we gaze upon our daytime star and transition to the night sky to explore the vast expanse of star clusters and all the wonders it holds. 



Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Announcing "Reaching for the Moon": Astronomy STEAM Workshop for Teachers

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming "Reaching for the Moon: Astronomy STEAM Workshop for Teachers", organized by the National Center for Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC) at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan. This workshop is generously supported by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Office of Astronomy Education, and the Las Cumbres Observatory through the Global Sky Partners Program. 

Event Highlights:

Lectures: Engaging sessions led by experts in the field.

Invited Talks: Insightful discussions by renowned speakers.

Activities: Interactive sessions designed to enhance learning.

Telescopic Observation Sessions: A hands-on experience with telescopes.

Robotic Telescopes: Introduction to LCO robotic telescopes for Astronomy education

And Much More: An enriching program designed to inspire and educate.

Who Should Attend? This workshop is tailored for primary and middle school Science, Arts, and Language teachers. 

We extend a warm invitation to teachers from diverse educational backgrounds, including government, private, international, and madrassa schools, to apply for this workshop. Whether you teach in Urdu or English medium, follow the Sindh Text Book Board curriculum, Federal Book Board guidelines, or the Cambridge curriculum, there is something valuable for everyone to learn in this workshop.

We strongly encourage female teachers to apply, fostering diversity and inclusion in astronomy education.

When?  February 13-15, 2024

Where? CIS/NCBC, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan

Registration Fee: No fee (Limited seats available)

Inclusions: Workshop learning resources, Training kits, Completion certificate, Networking opportunities, Meals during the workshop, and much more. 

How to Apply? Fill out the online application form here

Application Deadline:  January 31, 2024

Announcement of Shortlisted Participants: February 05, 2024

Contact Person: Hira Fatima (IAU OAE NAEC Pakistan)

Email: events.ncbc@gmail.com 

Telephone: 021-99261261-2681

Further Details & Announcements: Stay updated on the latest details and announcements by following NCBC official website

Join us in this educational journey as we explore the wonders of astronomy and empower teachers to inspire the next generation.




Friday, November 24, 2023

Exciting news! πŸš€ Just wrapped up the International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (hybrid)

Just wrapped up the "International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (hybrid)," a collaborative effort by the National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing at NED University, Karachi, Pakistan, along with our partners Department of Astronomy at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, and the Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration.

A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional invited speakers for making the "International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (hybrid)" an enriching experience! 🌌 Your expertise and insights added immense value to the discussions. πŸš€

🌟 Special thanks to:

Dr. Andreas Faisst, Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, Caltech, USA

Dr. Dario Colombo, Argelander-Institut fΓΌr Astronomie, University of Bonn, Germany

Dr. Rafeel Riaz, Center for Research in Astronomy (CIA), Bernardo O'Higgins University, Chile

Dr. Richard Grumitt, Department of Astronomy, Tsinghua University, China

Dr. Nadeem Oozeer, Data Scientist, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, South Africa

Dr. Eleni Vardoulaki, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Germany

Dr. Hongming Tang, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Tsinghua University, China

Dr. Faisal ur Rahman, SBASSE-Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan

Ms. Xinyue Sheng, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Queen’s University, UK

Ms. Jiani Chu, Department of Astronomy, Tsinghua University, China

Ms. Shiyu Yue, School of Physics and Astronomy, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Your contributions were instrumental in creating an atmosphere of shared learning and collaboration! 🌐🀝

🌍 The workshop garnered interest from 18 different countries, making it a truly global affair! 🌐 We're thrilled about the diversity and richness this brings to the discussions and shared experiences. A huge shoutout to all the fantastic participants! πŸ™Œ It's heartening to receive wonderful remarks, and we're grateful for the positive feedback. 🌟 Looking forward to more collaborative ventures and continued exploration of the cosmos together! 🌌

A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who played a vital role in ensuring the success of 

#MachineLearning #AstronomyWorkshop #SpaceTech #STEMEducation #Astronomy #MachineLearning #DataScience #Astrophysics #RadioAstronomy #AstronomyWorkshop #FreeWorkshop #InternationalWorkshop #neduniversity #Karachi #Pakistan #China #RadioGalaxyZoo #TsinghuaUniversity πŸŒŒπŸ”­✨ 




Thursday, November 16, 2023

Update: Registration Closed for International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (Hybrid)

We are thrilled to announce that the registration for the "International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (Hybrid)" has officially closed! We have received an overwhelming number of applications from enthusiastic individuals eager to participate both in person and online.

The response has been truly inspiring, and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who expressed interest in this exciting event. The quality and diversity of the applications exceeded our expectations, showcasing the tremendous interest and commitment within the community.

For those who have submitted their applications, the shortlisting process is currently underway. We anticipate notifying the selected participants on November 20, 2023. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

To give you a glimpse into the fascinating landscape of applications we received, we have compiled some interesting insights presented in the graphs below. These visuals offer a snapshot of the diverse backgrounds and interests of the applicants, adding to the anticipation of the dynamic discussions that lie ahead during the workshop.


Thank you once again for your overwhelming response, and we look forward to a fruitful and engaging International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Workshop website

Friday, November 10, 2023

Only 5 days left to secure your spot at the International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (Hybrid)!

 πŸŒŸ We're thrilled to unveil our stellar lineup of speakers:

Dr. Andreas Faisst, Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, Caltech, USA

Dr. Dario Colombo, Argelander-Institut fΓΌr Astronomie, University of Bonn, Germany

Dr. Rafeel Riaz, Center for Research in Astronomy (CIA), Bernardo O'Higgins University, Chile

Dr. Richard Grumitt, Department of Astronomy, Tsinghua University, China

Dr. Nadeem Oozeer, Data Scientist, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, South Africa

Dr. Eleni Vardoulaki, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Germany

Dr. Hongming Tang, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Tsinghua University, China

Prof. Dr. M. Ali Ismail, National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED University, Pakistan

Dr. Faisal ur Rahman, SBASSE-Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan

Ms. Xinyue Sheng, Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration, Queen’s University, UK

Ms. Jiani Chu, Department of Astronomy, Tsinghua University, China

Ms. Shiyu Yue, School of Physics and Astronomy, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Mr. Uzair Abid, National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED University, Pakistan

Ms. Hira Fatima, The International Astronomical Union OAE NAEC Pakistan, Astronomers Without Borders NC Pakistan, National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED University, Pakistan

πŸ“… Save the date! The shortlisted participants for the workshop will be announced on November 20, 2023. 

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity! For further details visit  and to register, fill out the form here.



Tuesday, October 24, 2023

🌌✨Exciting Announcement: International Workshop on Machine Learning in Astronomy (Hybrid) ✨🌌

Are you ready to embark on a cosmic journey through the world of machine learning and astronomy? Join us for the #InternationalWorkshop on #MachineLearning in #Astronomy (Hybrid)!

🌠 Organized by:

National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan

🌟 In collaboration with:

Department of Astronomy, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China &

Radio Galaxy Zoo: EMU Citizen Science Collaboration


πŸ“† Date: November 22-23, 2023

🌍 Location: National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan


πŸ”­πŸ€– Key Highlights:

Practical insights into utilizing #MachineLearning in various astronomical research domains.

Live-Streaming via Zoom and YouTube (link will be available soon).


πŸ“ Register Today:

There is NO registration fee to attend this workshop.

Registration is mandatory, and seats are limited for both in-person and online participants.

Certificates will be awarded to registered participants with full attendance during the workshop.

πŸ“… Registration Deadline: November 15, 2023

πŸ“ Registration: To register fill out this form.

πŸ“’ Approved in-person participants will be notified by November 20, 2023


Unveil the mysteries of the universe with us as we explore the seamless fusion of data science and the cosmos. This workshop is your gateway to understanding how #MachineLearning algorithms are transforming the landscape of astronomical research.

Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to having you with us on this cosmic adventure! πŸš€πŸ”

Official Announcement

#Astronomy #MachineLearning #DataScience #Astrophysics #RadioAstronomy #AstronomyWorkshop #FreeWorkshop #InternationalWorkshop #NEDUniersity #Karachi #Pakistan #RadioGalaxyZoo