In preparation for the upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse (May 21, 2012) and the Venus Transit (June 6, 2012) some members of UPLB Astrosoc went to PAG-ASA Observatory at UP Diliman for a solar imaging session. The imaging session was facilitated by Mr. Anthony Urbano, an alumnus of UP Astrosoc. He discussed several techniques including the projection method and the pinhole method for observing the said events. He also gave tips on how to observe and take photos of the Sun safely. Fortunately, he brought a telescope with a solar filter and so we got a chance to take photos of the Sun. He also brought substitute materials to come up with an improvised "solar glasses". A #14 welding glass can be used and it is readily available at a hardware store near you. For imaging purposes, a #10 welding glass can be used instead.

Below are some photos taken by Mr. Urbano himself.




MAY 21, 2012 Annular Solar Eclipse For more information on the upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse of May 21, 2012, click here. For a comprehensive schedule of the Annular Solar Eclipse, download it here.
JUNE 6, 2012 Venus TransitFor more information on the upcoming Venus Transit of June 6, 2012, click here. For a comprehensive schedule of the Venus Transit, dowload it here.

The National Astronomy Week (NAW) is a week-long celebration every third week of February. It is now in its 19th year and it has been part of the tradition of every astronomical organization in the country.

UPLB AstroSoc organized a lot of events in line with the celebration of the NAW 2012. Some members of the organization even attended numerous lectures and symposia to essentially learn more about astronomy.

To start the celebration, UPLB AstroSoc showcased astronomical facts and photographs through an exhibit entitled "Decoding 2012: Leaping from Faith to Facts". The exhibit was situated at the Student Union Building Lobby at UPLB. The exhibit focused on the myths of the impending doomsday. Top astronomical events of 2012 were also included to clearly show that the world will not on December 21, 2012.



Some members also attended the Astronomy Convention Seminar held last February 18, 2012 at the NIDO Fortified Science Discovery Center. In this seminar, two out of three astrophysicists of the country were present to discuss astronomical facts and issues. Dr. Reinabelle Reyes discussed the "Birth and Death of the Milky Way" while Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, the head of the Astrophysics Research Laboratory in UPLB, discussed "Astronomy Education and Research in the Philippines".

Members of UPLB AstroSoc with Dr. Reinabelle Reyes

To further discuss the contents of the exhibit, UPLB AstroSoc invited Lordnico Mendoza, founder of the RTU Astronomy Society to be the guest speaker of a symposium held last February 23, 2012 at the IBSLH, UPLB. Mr. Mendoza discussed the scientific evidences to prove that the theories behind the impending doomsday are just myths.

Decoding 2012 Symposium

Members of UPLB AstroSoc with Mr. Lordnico Mendoza

To give back something to the community, UPLB AstroSoc conducts AstroSkwela (Astronomy in Schools) to random schools. AstroSkwela is a basic astronomy camp for kids. This is one of the traditional events done by the organization to increase astronomy awareness. Last February 24, 2012, UPLB AstroSoc conducted a basic astronomy camp at the Maquiling School, Inc., Los Banos, Laguna. Around 240 elementary students attended the event. The students listened to short lectures and engaged in hands-on activities. They also got the chance to view Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon through a telescope. Needless to say, their appreciation for the heavens deepened even more.

After the astronomy camp, members of UPLB AstroSoc again attended a symposium held at the NIDO Fortified Science Discovery Center last February 25, 2012. The said event was the closing ceremony of Philippine Astronomical Society's celebration of the National Astronomy Week. The event kicked off with a showcase of various meteorites.

After which, Engineer Dacanay from the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) discussed about the "Surprising Importance of Earthquake; Magnetic Field Reversal; and a Tale of a Toasted Planet". On the other hand, Dr. Esguerra discussed "Beyong 2012: Physics, Astrophysics, and The End of the World As We Know It". Truly, it was a very informative and educational night.

Members of UPLB AstroSoc at the closing ceremony of the Philippine Astronomical Society

To officially end UPLB AstroSoc's celebration of the NAW 2012, the organization conducted another astronomy camp for High School students of the same school (Maquiling School Inc., Los Banos, Laguna). Around 140 students participated in the short lectures and stargazing activities. They were able to view various planets and deep sky objects.

We hope that the participants of our celebration of the National Astronomy Week learned a lot from us. We wish to see you in our future activities!

Join us celebrate National Astronomy Week 2012!

This year, UPLB AstroSoc will hold a series of events for the upcoming NAW 2012. We invite everyone to attend our symposium entitled "Decoding 2012: Leaping from Faith to Facts". We will have Nico Mendoza from the RTU Astronomy Society as our guest speaker. See you there!

Any UPLB student is eligible for admission provided that he/she is at least in his/her second year in the University. Contact Felix (09175573445) on or before November 30, 2011

Members of UPLB AstroSoc with Dr. Rogel Mari Sese (Head of Astrophysics Division, UPLB) and Dr. Kevin Govender (Director of the Office of Astronomy for Development, IAU)

The members of UPLB AstroSoc recently attended a seminar on Astronomy for Development that was held at The Planetarium, NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center on October 21, 2011

Participants engaged in a discussion about the current state of Astronomy in the country. A lot of insights, opinions, and opportunities were introduced to ultimately improve its current state.

The importance of astronomy in the development of the country was inevitably emphasized. This seminar essentially made us realize the significance of the organization itself. It also made us open to the fact that further development in the programs of the organization should be prioritized.

Generally, it was a good opportunity to get connected with other astronomy enthusiasts.