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Explore the journey of P.A. Patsis Research Center for Astronomy at the Academy of Athens in Volos, Greece. Established in 1990, the society fosters public engagement through programs, competitions, publications, and events promoting astronomy. Through initiatives like "ΟΥΡΑΝΟΣ" magazine, pupil competitions, NASA Space Camp visits, summer schools, talks, and more, the Society for Space and Astronomy educates, inspires, and connects researchers with the public. Embrace the wonder of the cosmos with this dedicated community!
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The Society for Space and Astronomy P.A. Patsis Research Center for Astronomy, Academy of Athens
The Location of the Society:Volos, Central Greece P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
2 reasons for communicating astronomy with the public • …a duty for professional astronomers. After all the public pays (through taxes) for the research we do and deserves to know about its results. • Aristotle: Man “ΦΥΣΕΙ ΟΡΕΓΕΤΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΕΙΔΕΝΑΙ” (by his nature likes to learn). … However, the role of certain persons in a society who “infect” younger generations with the enthusiasm for research is very important. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Founded 1990 • Based mainly on the personal work of the two other coauthors of this presentation, K. Mavromatis and L. Zachilas, and few other members of the Society at Volos • Started from scratch, today has about 480 members, and here are its achievements: P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
ΟΥΡΑΝΟΣ (ouranos = the sky) • Since 1991. Today printed 4 times/year in 800 copies P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
14 pan-hellenic astronomy competitions for pupils of secondary schools More than 300 participants – in two phases P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Pupils astronomy competitions P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Winners The winners (1 boy and 1 girl) visit NASA’s Space Camp at Huntsville, Alabama, accompanied by a member of the Society. (At the picture L. Zachilas, from the 1st visit, 2000) P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Summer schools for non-astronomers • Since 2000. Lessons last 1 week. Teach professors from universities and researchers from research institutes. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
www.astronomos.gr P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Organizes talks in an (almost) weekly basis An important event for the cultural life of the city of Volos P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Organization and Support of Conferences 1998 1999 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
“Star-nights”. Observations 1996. Bought the first Telescope of the Society (Meade 12) P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Solar Eclipses P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Publication of books P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Other activities • Radio broadcasts at two local radio stations • Participation at ESO’s educational project “Astronomy online” • Organization of exhibitions about astronomy • Branches in other cities (Naussa, Katerini, Kasos) P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Conclusion • Enthusiasm is a sine qua non condition for effectively communicating astronomy with the public. • The Society for Space and Astronomy at Volos, succeeds • in giving many opportunities for communication between researchers and public • in showing to the new generation the stars and ways to reach them. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens