Introduction

The Astronomy Outreach Program of the Space Education and Research Lab (SERL) at the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) is dedicated to connecting people with the cosmos. We bring wonders of the cosmos closer to schools, communities, and general public through astronomy education and stargazing sessions. Our outreach efforts aim to spark curiosity, encourage scientific thinking, and inspire the next generation of astronomers, scientists, and space enthusiasts across Pakistan.

These efforts are led by the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) for Pakistan, appointed by the Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) under the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This global affiliation ensures our programs reflect international standards and contribute to global astronomy education efforts.

Our Initiatives

IST Astronomical Observatory

The National Center of GIS & Space Applications has enhanced the IST Astronomical Observatory (IAO), which plays a crucial role in hands-on astronomy education and outreach. The observatory is equipped with a range of advanced instruments, including a Meade 16″ LX200-ACF, Meade 10″ LX200, two Celestron Edge HD 8″ telescopes, and Pakistan’s only dedicated Lunt 152 mm Solar Telescope for solar observations. It enables students and researchers to perform photometry and imaging.

Stargazing & Planetary Observation Sessions

The Space Education and Research Lab regularly organizes stargazing sessions for school, college, university students, and the general public. These sessions offer opportunities for direct celestial observations, including views of planets, the Moon, star clusters, and deep sky objects through. These events are guided by expert astronomers and students, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

Solar Observation Sessions

Space Education Research Lab of National Center of GIS & Space Applications regularly organizes guided solar observation sessions. These sessions offer a rare opportunity to observe the Sun using Pakistan’s only dedicated 152 mm Lunt H-alpha Solar Telescope. Visitors can safely observe solar features such as sunspots, prominences, filaments, and chromospheric activity, phenomena invisible to the naked eye.

Teachers Training Workshops

The Space Education and Research Lab at the National Center of GIS & Space Applications organizes Teachers’ Training Workshops. These workshops equip educators with activity-based astronomy teaching methodologies aligned with Pakistan’s national science curriculum. A major milestone was achieved in 2023 through an IAU-sponsored workshop, held in collaboration with the Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE). This engagement introduced global pedagogical best practices alongside localized astronomy resources for schools. Solar observation and stargazing session was cherry on the top.

Astronomy Camp

The Astronomy Camp provides an excellent opportunity for young minds to explore the cosmos. This extended program features interactive lectures, hands-on activities, software simulations, and guided solar and stargazing sessions. It is designed to foster a lasting interest in STEM fields while following best practices in astronomy education.

Space Education Seminar 2023

The Space Education Research Lab of National Center of GIS & Space Applications hosted the prestigious Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) Space Education Seminar, in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Space Education & Awareness Drive (SEAD) of SUPARCO, and Astronomical Societies of Pakistan, on February 1, 2023 at IST, Islamabad. Over 100 students and educators from across Pakistan participated in engaging talks, hands-on activities, and interactive sessions led by experts from JAXA and NCGSA. We conducted a special stargazing session for participants at the IST Astronomical Observatory.

Astronomy Outreach Across Academia

International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) – 2025

SERL actively encourages student participation in international astronomy competitions such as the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC). Through orientation sessions, preparatory resources, and students engagement, we aim to boost national participation in global astronomy challenges.

Space Destination School Cadet College Hasan Abdal 2023

The Space Education Research Lab (SERL) conducted a two-day Space Destination School program at Cadet College Hasan Abdal, offering students interactive sessions in Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Aviation, Rocketry, and Satellite Technology. During the astronomy segment, students were engaged in interactive lectures and workshop, both solar observation and stargazing session.

Beaconhouse Notion of Academia 2024 – 2025

As part of its Space Destination School initiative, SERL participated in Beaconhouse Notion of Academia 2024–2025. Over 150 students from 20+ delegations participated in the “Kepler’s Orbit” module co-led by SERL and Beaconhouse. The highlight was a guided stargazing session by SERL and the Space Society IST, where students observed the Moon and planets, many for the first time, creating a lasting connection to the night sky.

Learners School Space Expo 2024

SERL showcased modules on Aviation, Rocketry, Satellites, and Astronomy at Space Expo organized by Learners School Islamabad. The astronomy segment featured hands-on demonstrations of telescopes, software, and celestial observation. Students and the public participated in guided Moon observation sessions. The event sparked curiosity and deepened awareness about astronomy and space science.

Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics & Particle Physics 2023 – 2024

NCGSA organized the 2nd Workshop on General Relativity, Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics on December 12, 2024, at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. The event brought together over 80 students, researchers, and professionals from across Pakistan. It featured expert-led sessions on cutting-edge topics in general relativity, cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. A dedicated observatory session was conducted at the IST Astronomical Observatory, allowing participants to engage in guided night-sky observation, bridging theoretical discussions with direct celestial exploration.

Astronomy Outreach across Communities

Media Brief on Solar Storms 2024

During a media brief organized by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on the recent solar storm, media teams had the opportunity to visit the Space & Astrophysics Research Lab and IST Astronomical Observatory of the National Center of GIS & Space Applications, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. They witnessed solar activity firsthand through a solar telescope and received insightful briefings from researchers and students of the Department of Space Science, Institute of Space Technology and NCGSA on the potential threats posed by these solar phenomena.

Pakistan Learning Festival, Islamabad 2024

At the Pakistan Learning Festival 2024, held at Islamabad College for Boys, SERL engaged students, teachers, and families through interactive astronomy activities. Visitors explored space science through hands-on exhibits, educational models, and guided demos, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the cosmos. The event served as a platform to spark curiosity, raise space awareness, and inspire young minds.

STEAM Mela, Islamabad 2024

At the STEAM Mela 2024 in Islamabad, SERL showcased astronomy exhibits and conducted live solar observations using Lunt 152mm Solar scope of IST Astronomical Observatory, attracting a large number of students and educators. Participants safely observed sunspots and solar features, many for the first time, while learning about the Sun’s dynamic behavior. The event highlighted the value of astronomy education in a multidisciplinary, science-focused environment.

Lahore Science Mela 2023

As part of its Space Destination Schools outreach, the Space Education and Research Lab (SERL) participated in Lahore Science Mela 2023, organized by the Khwarizmi Science Society. SERL introduced visitors to astronomy through sky simulation software, engaging demos, and interactive learning tools. Thousands of students, educators, and families explored celestial concepts and observed how we study the night sky. This outreach brought astronomy into a vibrant, public setting, sparking curiosity, answering questions, and inspiring the next generation to look up and wonder.

Collaboration with Amateur Astronomy Clubs

SERL actively partners with amateur astronomy clubs across Pakistan, such as the Attock Astronomy Club, Pak Astronomers, Rawalpindi Astronomy Society and Space Society IST to promote public engagement in astronomy. These societies have played key roles in major events like the IAU-sponsored Teachers’ Training Workshops and the APRSAF Space Education Seminar by facilitating live sky observations, demos, and technical support.

Astronomy in Space Awareness Programs

World Space Week

Activities include astronomy-themed quizzes, model-making competitions, constellation mapping, and sky simulations, all designed to spark curiosity and engagement among students.

Space Summer School

Includes specialized astronomy modules, interactive workshops, solar observation using dedicated solar telescopes, and guided night-sky stargazing sessions.

Space Destination Schools

We bring telescopes and astronomy sessions directly to schools and colleges across Pakistan, offering hands-on celestial exploration to students in their own learning environments.

Collaborative Astronomy Outreach

The Space Education and Research Lab (SERL) has integrated astronomy outreach into various interdisciplinary events across IST. students and professionals have the opportunity to engage in guided stargazing and solar observation sessions. These sessions bridge science, technology, and curiosity, adding a powerful hands-on element to capacity-building and education.

Aeronautics Hercules Summer Workshop 2024

An Astrophotography Workshop was conducted by the Space Science Society in collaboration with the Space and Astrophysics Research Lab (SARL) of National Center of GIS & Space Applications (NCGSA), offering participants a well-rounded experience in the fundamentals and practical techniques of celestial imaging. The workshop featured lectures on astrophotography, followed by a guided observational session at IST Astronomical Observatory, where participants engaged in hands-on telescopy and astrophotography techniques.

Summer Camp on Artificial Intelligence & Robotics 2024

A solar observation session was organized during the Summer Camp on Artificial Intelligence & Robotics 2024, hosted by the department of Electrical Engineering, IST. The young participants observed sunspots, prominences, and other dynamic solar features using the 152 mm Lunt H-alpha Telescope. The experience bridged their curiosity about technology with the excitement of astronomy, making it a memorable highlight of the camp.

National GIS Summit 2024

A dedicated solar observation session was organized at the IST Astronomical Observatory, as part of the National GIS Summit 2024, hosted by the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) at the Institute of Space Technology (IST). While the summit primarily focused on the transformative role of geospatial technologies in sustainable development, the inclusion of an observatory session added a unique experiential dimension.

Internship Programs

The National Center of GIS & Space Applications offers summer internship programs focused on telescope operation, astronomical data collection, and image processing. Interns work at the IST Astronomical Observatory, gaining hands-on experience with telescope equipment and astrophysics software for real-time data acquisition and analysis.

Design & Development of IST Planetarium

The National Center of GIS & Space Applications is developing a state-of-the-art digital planetarium at IST, equipped with a 4K projection system and 35-seat capacity. The facility will significantly enhance public access to astronomy education by offering immersive, full-dome celestial experiences.

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Astronomy Themed Activities