Astronomy Experts Graced 2nd SEAAN Conference

International astronomers met up with more than 250 local astronomers and students to share their knowledge and new findings in the field of astronomy during the 2010 Philippine Astronomy Congress 2nd South East Asian Astronomy Network (SEAAN) Conference held last February 17 – 18, 2010 at the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City.

The 2nd SEAAN Conference aims to promote cooperation in the field of education, research and popularization of astronomy among Southeast Asian member countries. The event was divided into scientific and business sessions. The scientific session included plenary and invited talks and oral and poster presentations. For the first time, a Southeast Asian Young Astronomy Collaboration (SEAYAC) was established in a separate meeting.

Notable local and foreign experts in astronomy graced the event. These include Dr. Norio Kaifu, President of International Astronomy Union (IAU); Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, RTU Vice President; Dr. Prisco Nilo, Director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Dr. Roger Ferlet from the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris, France, Dr. Andrea Richichi of European Southern Observatory (ESO - Germany), Dr. Osamu Hashimoto of Gunma Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Professor Boonrucksar Soonthornthum from the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), among others.

After the lectures and discussions, a delegate’s dinner was hosted by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Estrella Alabastro at the Banahaw Ballroom of The Legend Villas in Mandaluyong City. RTU Choir Group and RTU Dancers entertained the participants with their stunning performances.

The 2010 Philippine Astronomy Congress and 2nd SEAAN Conference is supported by DOST, PAGASA, Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD), RTU, University of the Philippines – National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED), and UP – College of Science.

For more information about the event, contact Dr. Cynthia P. Celebre, Chief of Astronomy Research and Development Section - PAGASA at (632) 434-2715, 434-2675 or email cynthia_celebre@yahoo.com.

Philippine Astronomy Convention 2010 Slated

The Astronomical League of the Philippines invites everyone to attend the 2nd Philippine Astronomy Convention PAC 2010) on February 20, 2010 at the Manila Planetarium in Rizal Park, Manila.

The Philippine Astronomy Convention (PAC) is the annual gathering of professional and nonprofessional astronomers in the Philippines. This event, hosted by the Astronomical League of the Philippines, is the major astronomy convention in the country. The convention was initiated by the Astronomical League of the Philippines as a means of establishing a forum for all astronomers and astronomy-related organizations, institutions and agencies in the country to exchange ideas, and discuss matters on astronomy and astrophysics. The convention is held every year during the National Astronomy Week; a weeklong celebration participated by numerous astronomical organizations, institutions, schools and universities in the country.

Astronomical exhibits are presented during the annual gathering, showcasing astronomical photographs taken by Filipino astronomers. Poster contributions from local and international scientists are also being displayed to disseminate their activities and research outputs.

In order to foster observational astronomy in the country, observing sessions are held to introduce the general public to the scenic beauty of the cosmos. The stargazing session will be held on February 20 at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Baywalk from 6:00 – 9:00pm

Held during the Philippine Astronomy Convention, the plenary session or conference serves as a formal venue for astronomers in and outside the Philippines to disseminate their studies and researches in the different branches of astronomy, as well as other topics of astronomical interest. Plenary speakers and lecturers come from varied fields, such as observational astronomy, instrumentation, astronomy education, astrophysics & cosmology, and other areas.

Registration for PAC 2010 is free, but there will only be limited seats. To register for the event and other concerns, email personal details to jkty@astroleaguephils.org, pjastro@astroleaguephils.org, and kewpee7@astroleaguephils.org.

First Philippine Astronomy Convention Staged

More than 230 participants composed of professional and nonprofessional astronomers, professors, and students filled up the Plenary Hall area of the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Mandaluyong City last February 15, 2009 for the First Philippine Astronomy Convention (PAC 2009).

Hosted by the Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP), PAC 2009 serves as a venue for all astronomers and astronomy-related organizations, institutions, and agencies in the country to exchange ideas, and discuss matters on astronomy and astrophysics. The convention is held during the National Astronomy Week (NAW), a weeklong celebration participated by numerous astronomical organizations, institutions, schools, and universities in the country.

Representatives from various schools such as Rizal Technological University, Cavite State University, Cayetano Science High School, Valenzuela City Science High School, Trinity University of Asia - High School, Pasig City Science High School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Integrated School, Asian Institute of Computer Studies, as well as members of Philippine Astronomical Society, National Institute of Physics, and International Year of Astronomy – National Organzing Committee (IYA-NOC) were present to grace the event.

RTU Vice President Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres led the ribbon cutting ceremony with ALP president James Kevin Ty, ALP NAW Chairman Dr. Armando Lee and ALP PRO Alice Villa-Real. This was followed by the opening remarks given by Dr. Torres, who spoke in behalf of RTU President Dr. Jose Macaballug.

Different topics were discussed during the convention:

Topic	Speaker
International Year of Astronomy 2009 Celebration at Paris, France	Ms. Pauline Pearl Divinagracia, delegate, International Year of Astronomy 2009
Course Offerings In Astronomy In The Philippines	Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, RTU Vice President
Ethno-Astronomy in the Philippines	Dr. Dante Ambrosio of UP Department of History
Sidewalk Astronomers celebrates IYA2009 (100HA, Global Star Party, IYA)	Dr. Armando Lee, ALP NAW Chairman and Sidewalk Astronomers' 100 Hours of Astronomy Philippines Coordinator
EQMOD Software	Engr. Raymund Sarmiento, ALP
Jupiter's Oval BA (Red Spot Jr.,)	Mr. Christopher Go, 2006 Father Leo Boethin Astronomy Achievement Awardee

The convention was concluded with the telescope exhibit and viewing session held at the RTU Grounds. More than 12 scopes were placed at the RTU school grounds to let the participants get a chance to view the night sky. The telescopes that were used include a WO Zenithstar 80 II refractor on EQ-4 mount, 80mm Orion ST80 refractor, TV-101 refractor on Vixen GP-D mount, TV-101 refractor on Vixen GP-D mount, Orion 5" Apex Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, and a Celestron 80WA refractor.

Astronomical exhibits were presented during the annual gathering, showcasing astronomical photographs taken by Filipino astronomers. Poster contributions from local and international scientists were also displayed to disseminate their activities and research outputs.

The First Philippine Astronomy Convention is in cooperation with Rizal Technological University, National Museum Planetarium, and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

For more details about the convention, please contact ALP President James Kevin Ty at (0917) 8559863, (0922) 8999ALP (257), ALP Education / NAW Chairman Dr. Armando Lee at (0917) 7922053, or visit the Astronomical League of the Philippines website at http://www.astroleaguephils.org/