40 years of Space Age & Beyond celebrated in Sri Lanka

17 November 2009

In support of IYA2009, the Royal College Astronomical Society has organised an innovative programme called "40 years of Space Age & Beyond". This is the largest school-based IYA2009 programme in Sri Lanka and it consists of a workshop, science fiction competition and an exhibition of Apollo 11 Moon rocks which will be held from 8 to 9 December 2009.

Royal College Astronomical Society (RCAS) has a prestigious history of more than 40 years. The society has inspired many students to pursuit science as a career and some have become professional astronomers.

The workshop is the long running annual project of RCAS and a highly-anticipated event in the local astronomy community. This year, it will look back over 40 years of space programmes and a peer ahead with future missions to space and eventual colonisation.

Each year the workshop enjoys the participation of students and teachers from 50 schools around the country. This year participants will get the opportunity to explore future Moon colonisation ideas by being part of an activity to construct Moon colonies. For more information, please visit: http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/workshop.html

The RCAS will be running an exhibition and a science fiction competition along with the workshop as well. The moonstones from Apollo 11 mission which were gifted to Sri Lanka by the former US President Richard Nixon will be on display for two days. This is a rare opportunity to witness the history as these moonstones are rarely on public display. There will be some unforgettable photographs from Apollo 11 displayed at the exhibition along with the moonstones. Details are available here: http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/exhibition.html

The science fiction competition is another annual project of the society, which is open to all students around the country. It is launched with the purpose of exploring vivid imaginations of young minds. The competition is underway and the award ceremony will take place along with the workshop. More information: http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/sf_competition.html

 

Organisational Associates:
ESO AAS INSU CAS STRW NOVA STFC SCNAT SPA NRC MEC CNES DLR ESA JAXA NAOJ APL PS ESF ISRO ICRAN NLSI NOT U Cluster NASAEAS ASI NRAO CEA  KASI EAE SPA AUI CROSCI


The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is endorsed by the United Nations and the International Council of Science.