2005 NATIONAL ASTRONOMY WEEK

The Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) in coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

and the Department of Education (DepEd-NCR) will celebrate the National Astronomy Week from February 19 to 26, 2005. This yearís theme is ìAstronomy: Its Enriching Role in Man Societyî.

A series of activities have been lined up to achieve the organizationís objective of popularizing astronomy as one of the alternative in instilling scientific mind among our youth. Two of these activities are the Astro Quiz and the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest which will be held on February 19, 2005, 8:00AM to 5:00PM at V. Mapa High School, Manila- are open to all students from both public and private elementary and secondary schools.

On February 22 to 25, the public will be showered with series of lectures/seminars ranging from basic Astronomy to Cosmology and Astrophysics through the combined effort of educators, astronomers and physicists from the Philippine Astronomical Society, Samahang Pisika sa Pilipinas and the UP National Institute of Physics.

The evening of February 22 and 24, 2005 will be for the general public to enjoy the night sky. Dubbed as ìAstronomiya sa Kalsadaî, the public will have the opportunity to enjoy stargazing through PAS telescopes at the Manila Baywalk along Roxas Blvd., and The Fort, Taguig City from 6:00PM to 12:00 midnight.

The conferment of Padre Faura Award, the highest award being given by the Philippine Astronomical Society, to former president Fidel Valdes Ramos who put into effect the yearly celebration of National Astronomy Week that helped inspired and popularized Astronomy in the Philippines today; and the unveiling of the first Filipino made 16 inch telescope, one of the biggest in the Philippines, to be completed just in time for 2005 NAW, will underline this yearís celebration during the Opening Ceremony on February 21, 2005, 6:00PM at the UP Bahay ng Alumni.

The public is invited to join and support 2005 National Astronomy Week.

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The Philippine Astronomical Society
Manila Observatory, Loyola Heights
Quezon City
February 16, 2005