TEHRAN – The Iranian Astronomy Association is celebrating International Astronomy Week in collaboration with amateur groups from May 13 to 19.

The Association will commemorate the event by holding scientific interviews with professional and amateur astronomers, conducting popular and scientific challenges, and holding competitions.

During the Week, various amateur astronomy groups will do their best to promote astronomy and familiarize people with this field of science both virtually and personally. The groups will share their findings with the Astronomy Association.

The event helps the general public get involved with astronomy, and have their questions about astronomy answered.

This year it will be celebrated under the theme of  ‘Persian astronomy, solidarity and interaction’.

The Week has been observed in Iran since the Iranian calendar year 1380 (2001-2002). The Week encompasses International Astronomy Day which will be held on Friday, May 17, this year.

This year, the poster of Astronomy Week also refers to the theme of the day, depicting Iranian people’s solidarity and interaction using miniature paintings.

The Iranian Astronomy Association has designated specific themes for each day of the week, ISNA reported.

Monday, May 13: Astronomy as a guide to life

Tuesday, May 14: Astronomy, honoring the Earth and preserving the dark sky

Wednesday, May 15: Astronomy and artificial intelligence (AI)

Thursday, May 16: Astronomy, citizen science, and the role of academics

Friday, May 17: Astronomy and Iranian scientists (on the occasion of commemorating Khayyam)

Saturday, May 18: Astronomy Beyond Borders

Sunday, May 19: Persian astronomy, solidarity and interaction

The International Astronomy Day is held with the aim of promoting science in the world. Holding the event acts as a conduit to bring astronomy closer to the people.

Another main objective is to promote science and make people interested in astronomy. There will be day and night observations, webinars and scientific conferences, and pavilions that provide educational and scientific services to the people.

International Astronomy Day serves as an avenue for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals to share their knowledge and love of outer space with the general public.  

It is also a way for everyone interested in space to explore their passion and increase their knowledge.

Astronomy Day was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California.

 His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoy views of the heavens. Since then, the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.

In 2007, an autumn Astronomy Day was added. It was scheduled to occur on a Saturday between mid-September and mid-October so as to be on or close to the first quarter Moon.

This holiday is a bit unusual in that it occurs twice a year on a Saturday, both between mid-April and mid-May and between mid-September and mid-October. Each year the dates are as close as possible to the first quarter moon of the two seasons.

The spring event in 2024 will be held on the 18th of May, and then the autumn event will happen on the 12th of October.

MT/MG