Celebration of the National Astronomy Week

The National Astronomy Week (NAW) is an annual event being observed every 3rd week of February. This year the occasion will be celebrated on 17-21 February 2014 with the theme "Building Bonds: Connecting People through Astronomy".

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the agency mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 130, to spearhead the annual celebration, has prepared the following activities for the whole celebration:

1. Free Planetarium Shows
2. Stargazing and Telescoping Sessions at PAGASA Observatory
3. Star Party Contest for High School Level (First-Come, First-Served Basis)
4. Free Posters in Astronomy to Visiting Schools at the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory.

The free planetarium shows and lecture and telescoping sessions will be held at the PAGASA Science Garden and Astronomical Observatory, respectively. These activities will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Planetarium shows will be conducted from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. daily, while telescoping sessions will start at 7:00 o clock nightly.

Interested parties who would like to visit our astronomical facilities during the celebration may call at telephone number 434-2715 for reservation purposes.

2014 Star Party Contest

In connection with the Celebration of the National Astronomy Week on 17-21 February 2014, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), will conduct the Star Party Contest for the twelve (12) public & private high schools (first-come, first-served basis) on 21 February 2014 at 3:00 pm until dawn at the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory, U.P. Compound, Diliman, Quezon City.

The contest will be open to high school students, both public and private from Metro Manila. The maximum number of contestants is six (6) students who should be members of their school Science Club and one (1) Science adviser.

Star Party Contest rules and regulation will be given/discussed upon registration of the twelve (12) participating schools on 21 February 2014.

The following are the prizes:

1st prize      Php 20,000.00
2nd prize      Php 15,000.00
3rd prize      Php 10,000.00
9 consolation prize      Php 2,000.00
Certificates of participation will be issued to all contestants.

For further inquiries, please contact Engr. Dario Dela Cruz, Chief, Space Science and Astronomy Section at telephone number 434-2715 or visit our website at http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/.

source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/pressrelease.shtml#StarPartyContest2014

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