Press Release

NAS RA V. Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO)
Press release 08.04.2023

FROM SCHOOL TO SPACE ARAS SCHOOL LECTURES PROGRAM 2023

This April was dedicated to the school lectures program entitled “From School to Space”. The program was jointly organized by the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) and Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS).

The interest towards the program was unprecedented this year. 132 schools applied to host it. Considering that fact, this year BAO researchers visited 33 schools in different provinces of Armenia, namely Aragatzotn, Syunik, Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Lori, Kotayq, Shirak, Tavush and Vayots Dzor.

Among the lecturers were the Director of BAO Areg Mickaelian, Senior Research Associate Hovhannes Pikichian, Research Associates Hasmik Andreasyan, Naira Azatyan and Hayk Malkhasyan.

During the visits our lecturers introduced different astronomical topics as well as distributed popular materials to the schools and schoolchildren. As promised, some schools received telescopes as well.

ArAS School Lectures program was initiated by the ArAS Co-President Prof. Yervant Terzian (Cornell University, N.Y., USA) to promote astronomy in the Armenian schools and facilitate interaction with professional astronomers. Typically, once in a year starting from 2012, professional astronomers visit 25-30 schools and deliver lectures on hot topics of astronomy, achievements of the Armenian astronomy, activities of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, etc. The program also aims at revealing talented children especially in remote regions to unlock their potential in science.

The lecture program was supported by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). Beside the lecturers, one should mention the program coordinator Sona Farmanyan, organizers and assistants Gor Mikayelyan and Gayane Baleyan.

Meline Asryan