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!

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. 

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! 

 

 

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!

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. 

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.

Exciting news! 🚀 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. 🚀

🌟 Special thanks to:

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

Dr. Dario Colombo, Argelander-Institut für 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! 🙌 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 🌌🔭✨ 

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

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

 🌟 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 für 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

📅 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.

🌌✨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

📆 Date: November 22-23, 2023

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

🔭🤖 Key Highlights:

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

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

📝 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.

📅 Registration Deadline: November 15, 2023

📝 Registration: To register fill out this form.

📢 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! 🚀🔍

Official Announcement

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

Observe the Moon

We are thrilled to announce a special lunar observation event where we will be gazing at the moon through our professional telescopes! 

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply someone who's always been fascinated by the moon, this is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with our celestial neighbor. 

To register for FREE fill this form.  

#LunarObservation #AstronomyEnthusiasts #StargazingEvent #MoonGazing #AstronomyCommunity #CosmicAdventure #ObservetheMoon

On this Teachers' Day, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy

Receiving all your heartfelt messages and love from my amazing students is an incredible feeling. Knowing that I've inspired each of you to do your best fills me with immense pride and happiness.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my own teachers who guided and shaped me into the educator I am today. They instilled in me the passion for teaching, and it's an honor to pass that torch onto you.

To all the teachers who have touched my life, I dedicate this moment to you. Your wisdom, dedication, and unwavering support have made me who I am today. Thank you for lighting the path of knowledge for me.

Let's continue this beautiful journey of learning and inspiration together. 🌟 Happy Teachers' Day! 🌟

Embarking on a New Cosmic Journey as National Coordinator for Pakistan at Astronomers Without Borders

 I am beyond excited to announce a significant step in my astronomical journey. It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I reveal my new role as the National Coordinator for Pakistan at Astronomers Without Borders.

Astronomy has long held my heart, and this opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion. With this role, I am not only a part of a global community of stargazers but also entrusted with the responsibility of fostering the same passion for the stars within my homeland.

As I embark on this cosmic journey, I am reminded of the phrase "One People, One Sky." It encapsulates the essence of our shared fascination with the cosmos, transcending borders and backgrounds. Together, we explore the mysteries above, driven by the same curiosity that has led humanity to the stars for generations.

Public Talk on "The First Stars in the Universe"

🌌 Exciting Announcement! Join us for a Public Talk on "The First Stars in the Universe" 🌠

We are thrilled to invite you to a fascinating public talk on the captivating topic of "The First Stars in the Universe," featuring Dr. Rafeel Riaz from Bernardo O'Higgins University in Santiago, Chile. This enlightening event is organized by the Computational Astrophysics Research Lab at the National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing, NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan.

📅 Date: July 19, 2023 (Wednesday)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

📍 Venue: National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing/Department of Computer and Information Systems Engineering, NED-UET, Karachi, Pakistan

During this engaging talk, Dr. Rafeel Riaz, a distinguished expert in the field, will delve into the mysteries surrounding the emergence of the first stars in our universe. Discover the secrets of these celestial marvels and gain a deeper understanding of their profound impact on the cosmos.

🔖 Admission: FREE!

However, due to limited slots, registration is mandatory. Secure your spot by registering at https://lnkd.in/d7aZkicQ . Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage with fellow students, researchers, and astronomy enthusiasts eager to explore the wonders of the universe.

For more information and event updates, please refer to the attached poster. Feel free to share this announcement with anyone who might be interested in this captivating topic.

We look forward to welcoming you to this enlightening public talk on "The First Stars in the Universe." Prepare to be inspired, educated, and amazed!

Let's embark on a journey of cosmic discovery together. See you there

We Are Now the LCO 2023 Global Sky Partner

We are delighted to announce that we have become the LCO (Las Cumbres Observatory) 2023 Global Sky Partner! This partnership opens up a world of possibilities for promoting astronomy education, research, and outreach throughout the country using the remarkable LCO telescopes.

As the LCO 2023 Global Sky Partner, we are truly excited about this opportunity to further enhance the field of astronomy in Pakistan. Our goal is to bring the wonders of the universe closer to people and  inspire a passion for the cosmos. With access to the cutting-edge LCO telescopes, we can now take astronomy education and research to new heights.

Through this partnership, we plan to organize various initiatives that will benefit students, researchers and enthusiasts. Astronomy workshops, seminars, and public lectures will be conducted to foster a deeper understanding of the universe and its mysteries. We aim to create an environment where individuals can explore and expand their knowledge of astronomy, nurturing a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LCO for selecting us as their Global Sky Partner for 2023. This collaboration opens up a world of possibilities for the advancement of astronomy in Pakistan.

Celebrating Success: International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition Achievements

As an approved teacher and exam supervisor for the prestigious International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition since 2020, I have consistently encouraged my students to participate in this esteemed event. Over the past four years, several of my students have participated and performed exceptionally well. Today, I am thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of my students in this year's competition.

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Aly Gajani, one of my students, has received the distinguished Gold Honour award. This remarkable accomplishment places him among the top 5% of participants from around the world. Furthermore, I am delighted to share that he has also been recognized as a National Award winner in Pakistan.

Mr. Aly Gajani's achievement fills me with immense pride, and I believe it serves as an inspiration to all aspiring astronomers and astrophysicists. It stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who are dedicated, curious, and passionate about exploring the mysteries of the universe.

I would like to express my gratitude to the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition for providing a platform that fosters students' interest in astronomy and astrophysics on a global scale. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and promoting excellence in these fields is truly commendable.

Astronomy for Everyone: Bringing Cosmos to All

Public communication of astronomy plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the scientific astronomical community and the general public. It serves as a platform to share scientific achievements, promote formal and informal science education, and bring astronomy to a wider audience. 

While astronomers primarily focus on advancing our understanding of the Universe, the act of communicating their findings to society has gained significant importance. The goal of public astronomy communication is to make astronomy accessible and engaging for everyone.

Scientia deserves recognition for their science writing internship initiative. This initiative not only empowers young writers but also ensures the availability of engaging and accurate scientific content for the public.

I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Mr. Fouz Siddiqi for extending the invitation to deliver a talk on "Astronomy for Everyone: Bringing Cosmos to All." It was an absolute honor to address a group of enthusiastic future science communicators and share insights into the wonders of astronomy and space sciences. What made the experience even more special was the presence of numerous female writers, highlighting the increasing diversity and inclusivity within the science communication community. Their thoughts, perspectives, and passion for astronomy were truly inspiring.

Contributions of Astronauts and Cosmonauts in Space Exploration

Summer breaks are a cherished time for students to unwind and enjoy a respite from the daily grind of school. However, they also present a unique opportunity for young minds to expand their horizons, explore new fields of knowledge, and engage in intellectually stimulating activities. These educational programs offer a diverse range of subjects, empowering students to delve into areas beyond their regular curriculum. 

I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Ali Areeze for extending an invitation to the Al Mehdi summer workshop, to deliver a lecture on the "contributions of astronauts and cosmonauts in space exploration". It was a great pleasure to talk on a platform where young minds can flourish, broaden their horizons, and embark on intellectual journeys that will shape their futures.

IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop- Great Impact

As Michael Morpurgo famously said, "It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom." This sentiment rings true in every corner of the world, including in Pakistan where teachers like Ms. Bushra Fahad are making a tremendous impact on their students. We extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Bushra, participant of  IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop,  for sharing pictures of the event with us and granting us permission to feature them on our workshop blog. This event showcased her dedication to students and willingness to go above and beyond to foster their love of learning. She conducted a Galileoscope assembly activity with the IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop telescope assembly training kit at the Seeds school, Johar Campus,  Karachi. 

We are proud to have played a small role in inspiring and training teachers through IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop. By providing teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to create meaningful learning experiences, we can make a difference in the lives of students and help to foster a new generation of curious learners.

Exploring the Universe: The Potential Benefits of Radio Astronomy for Pakistan

Radio astronomy is a field that studies the universe through the analysis of radio waves emitted by celestial objects. In an article in T-Magazine, Dr. Syed Faisal ur Rahman argues that by investing in radio astronomy research and development, Pakistan has the potential to improve its technical capabilities in telecommunications, defence, medical imaging, and big data sciences. Investing in radio astronomy research also has the potential to foster collaboration and innovation across diverse groups and pave the way for more research avenues in the future. 

By launching amateur radio astronomy projects, universities could offer students a platform to learn about radio astronomy and discover new celestial objects and phenomena. Similarly, the establishment of a radio interferometer in Pakistan’s Balochistan region could lead to higher-resolution radio images and facilitate the development of advanced astronomical technologies. The potential impact of this project could be similar to that of CERN which brought together scientists from across the continent to collaborate on groundbreaking research that has transformed our understanding of the universe.