The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will lead the nation in the celebration of the 30th National Astronomy Week (NAW).
Observed every third week of February under the Presidential Proclamation No. 130, s. 1993, the NAW will be celebrated this year on Feb. 19 to 25.
With the theme "Breaking Barriers in Philippine Astronomy: Overcoming Adversity for a Better and Sustainable Development,” the NAW celebration is in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It focuses on the 4th SDG, which is Education.
The celebration of NAW will focus on educating the youth of this generation through a series of lectures and activities with the following objectives: promote Philippine Astronomy among youths; conduct free planetarium shows and telescoping and stargazing sessions; conduct a free seminar and workshop for selected public school teachers of a selected province; and conduct an “astro-camp” for selected junior high school students.
The free planetarium shows will be conducted from Feb. 20 to 23 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the PAGASA Planetarium, Science Garden Complex, BIR Road, Quezon City.
Meanwhile, the free telescope and stargazing sessions will be at PAGASA Astronomical Observatory, Ma. Regidor St. UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 20-24.
The public is advised that slots are on a first-come, first-served basis.