It’s a Boundless Exploration at NAW 2022!

Ma(g)laya(g) sa Tala

This year’s theme of National Astronomy Week 2022 depicts a picture of freedom and adventure among the stars — and that’s exactly what the UP Astronomical Society (UP Astrosoc)’s celebration was all about!

With the vision of broadening the public awareness, interest, knowledge, and understanding of astronomy, UP AstroSoc opened its annual rendition of NAW 2022 in virtual space. The series of events commenced last February 19 and concluded on March 5.

The boundless opportunities of NAW 2022 attracted a lot of participants towards a more fulfilling learning experience. Educators across the country acquired a deeper understanding of astronomy and gained more advanced instructional skills at Parallax, a webinar workshop. The judges — Maricor Soriano, PhD., the program leader of the STAMINA4Space program; James Cesar Refran, DsC., Licensed Geologist from the Earth Sciences Space Mission Studies Division of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA); and Atchong Hilario, PhD., a Space Science, Technology, and Applications Researcher for PhilSA — lent their astronomical expertise on space exploration and sustainability. Forty participants attended the virtual seminar that promoted the importance of fostering curiosity and imagination for learners.

Attendees of Parallax, a webinar workshop.

The vast and rich field of art was also a part of the NAW 2022 exploration as Star Trails invited astrophotographers and artists to submit their entries that encapsulate the beauty of the cosmos. Three expert judges — Norman Marigza, national coordinator from Astronomers without Borders; Nathan Tan, resident photographer of UP Astrosoc and Earth Shaker; and Jasper Mallonga, an alumnus from the UP Photography Society (OPTICS) — chose the top 3 pieces among the 44 entries in the contest. The top 3 entries with the highest number of popularity votes were also recognized.

Bathala (Jupiter) by Natasha Sarmiento, grand winner of Star Trails 2022 Artist Showcase.

Take Care, Drifter by John Patrick Alota, 1st place winner of Star Trails 2022 Astrophotography Contest.

The public’s general astronomical knowledge was also tested through Orionids, an online trivia quiz game conducted on UP Astrosoc’s official Facebook page. This game was also an educational experience to all participants as it provided interesting information about the cosmos. Three daily winners and one grand winner bagged prizes sponsored by the event

Of course, what better way to conclude NAW 2022 but with a bang! With Big Bang, an astronomical quiz show, 30 teams composed of 90 secondary level students competed on their knowledge about astronomy. More aspiring participants across the country seized this astronomical opportunity with the event being open to all high schools and conducted via Zoom. The panel of judges was: Ma. Janelle Manuel, an instructor at UP Diliman National Institute of Physics; James Oidem, the current Education and Research cluster coordination of UP Astrosoc; and Crizzia Mielle de Castro, a student researcher and a current student of MS Meteorology. The top three teams — Philippine Science High School Team A, St. Jude Catholic School Team B, and Sta. Lucia High School Team A — were recognized at the awarding ceremony which was held on the same day, March 5.

The event is a triumph and a value-adding experience both for organizers and participants alike. As UP Astrosoc advances public awareness of astronomy, it remains steadfast in its vision to provide truly boundless avenues of astronomical learnings for everyone. You, too, can be a part of the exploration! Follow their official social media pages at Facebook (fb.com/upastrosoc), Twitter (@upastrosoc), Instagram (@upastrosociety), and LinkedIn (UP Astronomical Society).

NAW 2022 is

Co-presented by…

B’lue Philippines

Sponsored by…

Philippine Space Agency

Ask Lex PH Academy

Cutting Edge

Dream Big Branding

FranchiseManila.com

Gardenia Philippines

Intake Philippines

Motivo Philippines