GalileoMobile’s new initiative, the “Columba-Hypatia Project: Astronomy for Peace” project, will share astronomy with young people from the divided island of Cyprus throughout 2017. On 10-20 May, the project will visit various schools in the island to inspire young people, through astronomy, to be curious about the world we live in, about science and the cosmos, while also using astronomy as a tool for promoting meaningful communication and a culture of peace and non-violence.
The “Columba-Hypatia Project: Astronomy for Peace” is a collaboration between GalileoMobile and the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research, funded by the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). Between 10 and 20 May, the Columba-Hypatia Project, will visit various schools across the divide to carry out fun and educational astronomy activities, in order to learn more about the Cosmos together.
As part of the Columba-Hypatia project they will bring together students from both sides of the border at the Home for Cooperation to take advantage of the telescopes and other astronomy equipment that they will be installing there. In addition to continued access to this equipment after their visit, the schools will receive astronomy books and other educational material, as well as ongoing support from GalileoMobile in order to keep carrying out astronomy activities for years to come.
GalileoMobile’s hope is that by sharing the sky together, by exploring the cosmos through the lens of modern astrophysics, we can inspire the children of Cyprus to not only be curious about science and the Cosmos, but to also help create a better understanding of our common humanity, thus promoting meaningful communication and a culture of peace and non-violence on the island.
As part of the activities of the Columba-Hypatia project, GalileoMobile will takeover the Universe Awareness Instagram account for the next couple of weeks to show first-hand their activities in Cyprus. Follow the #Astro4Peace hashtag for all information related to the project.
GalileoMobile Columba-Hypatia: Astronomy for Peace from galileomobile on Vimeo.
Since 2009, GalileoMobile’s international team of professional astronomers and science communicators has endeavoured to share astronomy with young people around the globe. By visiting schools in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Peru, and Uganda, GalileoMobile has reached thousands of children and hundred of teachers. The Columba-Hypatia Project is their first initiative in Europe.
The “Columba-Hypatia Project: Astronomy for Peace” project is funded by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and supported by Meade Instruments, Universe Awareness and the European Southern Observatory.
Links
Columba-Hypatia Project: Astronomy for Peace website https://www.columbahypatia-project.org
GalileoMobile website www.galileo-mobile.org
Association for Historical Dialogue and Research http://www.ahdr.info/home.php
IAU Office of Astronomy for Development: www.astro4dev.org
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