As articulated on Proclamation No. 130, s. 1993, signed by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, the Philippines will celebrate National Astronomy Week 2022 (NAW 2022) this third week of February 2022 with the theme by PAGASA, “Ma(g)laya(g) Tayo Sa Mga Tala,” which recognizes the accomplishments of space exploration. As such, the University of the Philippines Astronomical Society will also be celebrating in its way through a series of events that upholds the organization's primary vision. Their theme for NAW 2022 expounds on PAGASA's: "Space and Sustainability: Relevance of Space and Space Exploration to Human Lives."
The University of the Philippines Astronomical Society, more commonly known as UP Astrosoc, is a non-profit organization in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. They devote their endeavors to promoting astronomy to students and the general masses of the Philippines as represented by their emblem of a stylized telescope pointing at the sky, accompanied by their motto, "Ad Astra per Aspera!" Ever since co-celebrating National Astronomy Week, UP AstroSoc has held numerous events for the interests and awareness of students, educators, and the general public for astronomy and its role in society.
This NAW 2022 is their second year of celebrating National Astronomy Week online. Along with the newly added activities, some events from the face-to-face celebration will be returning to the line-up, remodeled to suit the virtual setting from February 19 to March 5, 2022. Students, educators, and the general public across the country may participate in the following events of NAW 2022:
- Star Trails Astrophotography Contest and Artists Showcase. This event aims to demonstrate the astronomical talents of amateur and professional astrophotographers alike. There will be an artists showcase as well, wherein artists nationwide may share their stunning astronomy-themed artworks to the online universe. Popularity votes shall be the primary determinant for the top 4 best astrophotographs. This event will be held on the official social media channels of UP AstroSoc on February 20, 2022.
- Orionids Online Trivia Quiz. Orionids' main objective is to simultaneously test the general astronomy knowledge of the Filipino masses and provide new and intriguing information about the universe. The daily trivia quizzes with one winner per day will be held on the official Facebook page of UP AstroSoc from February 28 to March 4, 2022.
- Parallax Webinar Workshop. Parallax is where some of the professionals in the field of astronomy deliver worthwhile discussions that may help teachers and educators nationwide acquire another understanding of astronomy and advanced instructional skills. Additionally, Parallax aspires to promote the significance of curiosity, imagination and shared discovery in society. The webinar workshop will be via Zoom Meetings on February 26, 2022, from 2-5 PM.
- Big Bang Astronomical Quiz Show. Another one of the returning events of National Astronomy Week, this astronomical quiz show aims to showcase the knowledge of secondary-level students nationwide about astronomy. It also promotes greater interest and appreciation of the significance of astronomy on the cultural and societal evolution of humankind. Participating teams in the quiz show shall consist of five students per team, and each participating school may enter as many teams as they wish. Big Bang will have an admission fee of Php 350.00 per team. The top 3 highest-scoring teams in the Final Round will be the winners of the competition. Finally, the Big Bang Astronomical Quiz Show will be via Zoom Meetings on March 5, 2022, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
The awarding ceremony for all the events will be on March 5, 2022, after the Big Bang Astronomical Quiz Show. Go to infinity and beyond and join the festivities of UP AstroSoc! Tune in for updates on the events through their official social media pages:
Facebook: fb.com/upastrosoc
Twitter: @upastrosoc
Instagram: @upastrosociety
LinkedIn: UP Astronomical Society
