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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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 🌌🔭✨ 

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.

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.

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.

IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop- Great Impact

Henry B. Adams once said that a teacher's influence is everlasting and impossible to predict. This sentiment was brought to life by Ms. Sakina, a participant in the IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop who took inspiration from our workshop, sparked curiosity in her students' minds and inspired them to create incredible projects related to black holes, telescopes, and light pollution. We are thrilled to recognize her dedication in conducting a Galileoscope assembly activity with the IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop telescope assembly training kit at The Indus Academy, Karachi. 

It is teachers like Ms. Sakina who have the power to ignite a lifelong passion for learning in their students. We extend our sincere thanks to her for sharing pictures of the event with us, and granting us permission to feature them on our workshop blog. 

We are proud to have played a small role in promoting astronomy education in Pakistan by inspiring teachers and making a difference in the lives of students.

The Indus Academy, Karachi

Astronomy education is important for promoting scientific literacy and inspiring curiosity about the universe. We are committed to training more teachers in this subject to ensure that students have access to high-quality astronomy education and will be prepared to pursue careers in related fields.

🏆 Honored to Win First Prize in the Space Ambassador Contest! 🚀

We are thrilled and deeply honored to announce that we have won the first prize in the Space Ambassador Contest, organized by Space Education and Awareness Drive, Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This prestigious award recognizes our dedicated efforts in organizing the remarkable World Space Week 2022.

The Space Ambassador Contest sought to acknowledge individuals and organizations that demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution to promoting space education and awareness in Pakistan. We are humbled to be recognized for our endeavors in organizing the World Space Week, an event that celebrated the wonders of space and inspired countless individuals across the nation.

It fills us with immense pride to share that, according to the WSW 2022 Statistics, Pakistan secured the top position in organizing the highest number of events during the World Space Week 2022. This achievement showcases the enthusiasm and passion for space exploration that exists within our country.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Space Education and Awareness Drive (SEAD) and SUPARCO for honoring us with this prestigious award. We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to all our team members, and volunteers who played an integral role in organizing the World Space Week 2022. It

We are truly grateful for this recognition and remain committed to nurturing a passion for space exploration, fostering scientific curiosity, and advancing space education in Pakistan.

Space Science and Astronomy in Schools- STEM Workshop for Teachers, Appreciation and Recognition

On the success of Space Science and Astronomy in Schools-STEM Workshop for Teachers organized by the Computational Astrophysics Lab at NCBC-NEDUET on February 21-22, 2023, we would like to take a moment to express our sincere thanks to our invited speakers:

Dr. Gaitee Hussain, Head of Science Division, European Space Agency, Netherlands 

Dr. Aquib Moin, Associate professor, UAE University, UAE 

Dr. Ahmed H. Abdullah. IAU Astronomer, University of Baghdad, Iraq

Dr. Faisal ur Rahman, Member of EMU-ASKAP and WALLABY-ASKAP Radio Astronomy surveys, CTO of My Impact Meter, Lahore, Pakistan

Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Leghari, Divisional Head Astronomy, Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Karachi, Pakistan

for their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences and their truly invaluable contribution to the event. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the teachers of the workshop for all that they did to make the workshop a valuable learning experience for our attendees.  We would like to appreciate the volunteers for their commitment to ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that our attendees were well taken care of. 

We made every effort to be inclusive and build a diverse teacher cohort. The participants were from government and private English, Urdu and Sindhi medium schools. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the participant teachers. Their dedication to the education of their students and their commitment to learning more about space science and astronomy was truly inspiring.

It was a great pleasure for us to host "Meet an IAU Astronomer"  during the workshop, which was a significant attraction for the attendees. To highlight the contributions of women in Astronomy and inspire girls and women to pursue careers in astronomy and STEM fields, we also celebrated "Girls and Women in Astronomy" during the workshop. @astromeetings @womeninSTEM

The goal of this workshop is to create a strong community of astronomy educators who can inspire the next generation of scientists and astronomers in Pakistan. By providing teachers with the knowledge, hands on experience and resources they need, we hope to promote astronomy education and encourage more students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

In the end I'd like to thank the International Astronomical Union, Office of Astronomy for Education for their support in organizing the first ever IAU OAE Astronomy teacher training workshop in Karachi, Pakistan in December 2022, which set a great example and ground for this second workshop "Space Science and Astronomy in Schools- STEM Workshop for Teachers" organized by the Computational Astrophysics Lab at NCBC-NEDUET, Karachi, Pakistan. 

IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop- Great Impact

"A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything" Unknown 

 

An anonymous quote states that a good education has the power to change anyone's life, while a good teacher can change everything. This sentiment was brought to life by Ms. Tahira Kanwal, a participant in the IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop.

We are thrilled to acknowledge Ms. Kanwal's efforts in conducting a Galileoscope assembly activity with IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop telescope assembly training kit at the APWA Government Girls Secondary School in Karachi. She went above and beyond in promoting astronomy education. We extend our gratitude to her for sharing pictures of the event with us, and granting us permission to feature them on our workshop blog. Her hard work and dedication are a testament to the impact that effective teaching can have on students' lives.

APWA Government Girls Secondary School, Karachi.

Remember: Never point your telescope at the Sun without proper solar filters or other specialized equipment specifically designed for solar observation. 

Unleashing the Curiosity of Future Space Explorers and Astronomers

 I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Society of Space Science Technology (managed by students of Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi) for inviting me as a guest speaker and judge at the Space Science Awareness Festival 2022. It was a delightful experience to interact with aspiring astronomers and space scientists and witness their impressive models and posters of the solar system, satellites, and beyond.

I commend the organizers, Society of Space Science Technology for putting together a successful event, and I would also like to recognize the schools and teachers who encouraged and supported their students in creating these outstanding projects. These types of educational and outreach events are crucial for bringing space science and astronomy into schools and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Thanks to Ms. Aiman Siddique (Head of event) for sharing these pictures with me. 

IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop - Recognition and Appreciation

Alhamdulillah We are pleased to announce that IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop was a great success. We feel very honored and privileged that we organized IAU OAE Astronomy Teacher Training Workshop at Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi. 

We would like to express my deepest gratitude to the International Astronomical Union, Office of Astronomy Education for their trust, generous funding and kind support. 

We are very grateful to our international online speakers for their time, support and wonderful talks:

Prof. Dr. Debra Elmegreen, IAU President, New York, United States

Dr. Gaitee Hussain, Head of Science Division, European Space Agency, Netherlands

Dr. Aquib Moin, Associate Professor, United State Emirates University, UAE

Dr. Saeed Salimpour, Astronomy Education Research Coordinator at Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE), International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Dr. Anna Sippel, OAE Project Scientist, OAE, IAU

Dr. Tshiamiso Makwela, Astronomy Education Research Coordinator, OAE, IAU

We are thankful to Ms. Manisha Dwa our TTP buddy from the OAE in Nepal. 

We are very thankful to Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Laghari, Divisional Head Astronomy,  Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Karachi, who was our guest astronomer and observer of this workshop and Mr. Abdul Salam, SUPARCO), for giving us him time and sharing his valuable knowledge during observation sessions and SUPARCO for sending us Meade Eclipse View 82 mm reflecting telescope, solar filters and Ladkee meteorite for workshop duration.

We are very thankful to the support of District Education Officer (ES&HS), District East, Karachi for helping us reaching out the primary and secondary school science teachers in government schools. 

We would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Prof. Dr. M. Jawed Iqbal, Director, Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi, for his support through out this workshop and the teachers for sharing their valuable  knowledge:

Mr. Yazdan Zuhad, Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi

Mr. Moiz Ahmed, Astrophysicist, Taqwa Space Observatory and Kastrodome Space observatory

Ms. Aiman, Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi

Mr. Fayyaz Ur Rasheed,  Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi

Mr. Rayan Khan, Founder Cosmic Tribe, Karachi Pakistan

Ms. Asra Jameel, Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi

We are thankful to our dear students who worked very hard as volunteers to make this event a success:  Ms. Ayesha, Mr. Aly Gajani, Ms. Hareem Zaidi, Ms. Maheen Mansoor, Mr. Ali Areezee, Mr. M. Ahsan, Institute of Space Science and Technology, University of Karachi.

We are very thankful to Prof. Dr. M. Ali Ismail, Director, National Center for Big data and cloud computing,  NED-UET, Karachi, for his moral support during the execution of this workshop. 

Last but not the least we are thankful to the observatory staff Mr. Lavi Masih and Mr. Shamshad for their hard work. 

We would like to highly appreciate the determination and commitment of participant teachers from government and private schools who attended this workshop with all their heart and became the part of our Astronomy education mission.