Author Archives: Ram Venugopal

Guided Meditation Experience – Geminids Meteor Shower

The OAD is pleased to invite students, astronomy enthusiasts, scientists, and the general public to a special online experience during the Geminids Meteor Shower, one of the brightest meteor displays of the year. In collaboration with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) and astrophysicist and mindfulness expert Dr. Mark Westmoquette, the session will offer […]

IAU OAD Newsletter #36 January-August 2024

The IAU OAD has published its latest newsletter for the January to August 2024 period. Highlights in the newsletter: IAU General Assembly 2024 OAD welcomes new deputy director OAD community scoops all IAU ODE (Outreach, Development, Education) prizes Call for support by Brazilian OAD project affected by fire New astronomy-for-development projects funded in 2024 Previous […]

Space Cadets Club Inspires Student Interest in STEM

The Space Cadets project organised three 11-week clubs for up to 15 local children (per club) in the 7-11 age group in Armagh, Northern Ireland. From 3:45pm-4:45pm every Tuesday, 1 hour sessions saw the cadets: accessing various buildings and sites across the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium grounds; watching 360-degree space shows; constructing models, equipment and […]

Practical Look at Combining Astronomy and Mental Health

On June 4, 2024, a pioneering workshop took place at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), marking a significant step in integrating mental health with astronomy outreach and science communication. This transformative session, organized by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), served as a pilot for the upcoming Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP) […]

Astro Tourism Project in Malaysia Makes A Mark

The objectives of this project were: (i) To expose tourist guides to knowledge in astronomy. (ii) To equip them with extra skills in entrepreneurship and astro-tour hospitality and service. (iii) To revamp the tourism sector in Peninsular Malaysia with a new niche in astronomy tourism. Activities The original plan was to conduct a 10-day physical […]