Following projects are open for students and teachers in Sri Lanka who has an interest in astronomy and space sciences. For inquiries, please write to <info@srilanka.astroepo.org>
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Asteroid Data Analysis Project
The International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) is an educational outreach program for high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Project provides high quality astronomical data to student teams where they are able to analyse the data using Astrometrica. Students will be able to learn about astronomical data analysis and about asteroids. In collaboration with IASC, the Sri Lanka Astronomical Association invites student teams to apply for following research campaign periods:
6 June – 4 July, 2018
6 July – 3 August, 2018
The project will be supervised by Thilina Heenatigala (Leiden Observatory) and Coordinated by Yasith Ramawickrama (Space Generation Advisory Council – Sri Lanka).
For whom: High school students, undergraduates and graduates, from any streams.
Requirements: Computer and internet access to download/upload data, ability to check emails and respond quickly during the campaign period, teamwork skills.
How to apply: Apply either as a team or individually at: http://srilanka.astroepo.org/asteroid-data-analysis-project-2018/ Note that those who apply individually will be linked to a team as the project is done in teams.
Deadline: 15 May 2018
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Las Cumbres Observatory Observing Project
The Global Hands-On Universe organisation offers one-hour of telescope time on a 0.4 metre telescope with Las Cumbres Observatory to image and observe an astronomical object (e.g.:variable stars, supernovae, exoplanets, black hole binaries and normal binaries). The student team will be supervised by professional astronomers and the trained by students of MIT Academy students in Vallejo California. The project is open for 5 science students from high school, undergraduates or graduates. The project will run from May-July 2018. Selected team will be supervised by Thilina Heenatigala (Leiden University) and Fraser Lewis (Cardiff University).
For whom: High school students, undergraduates and graduates, from science streams.
Requirements: Internet access to download/upload data, ability to check emails and respond quickly during the campaign period, teamwork skills.
How to apply: Send your CV and a letter of motivation to <info@srilanka.astroepo.org> Note that only 5 students will be selected.
Deadline: 15 May 2018
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Astronomy Translation Project with Space Scoop in Sinhalese
Space Scoop project creates kids’ version of the latest astronomy press releases weekly. The articles cover all the most exciting cosmic events in a language that’s easy to understand. With Space Scoop readers can learn about the latest missions aboard the International Space Station, watch as new planets are born and travel with us to the early Universe. All the news and pictures come directly from ten of the best space agencies in the world, and we bring them to you without delay. The kids’ version of press release is currently being translated into 22 languages around the world, including Sinhalese and Tamil.
The project is looking for two volunteer to translate the latest articles into Sinhalese for 3-6 months period. The selection will be made by reviewing sample translation of an astronomical article done by the applicant. Upon successful completion of the term, the translator will receive a letter of acknowledgement.
For whom: High school students, university students, teachers, astronomy enthusiasts.
Requirements: Computer and internet access to download/upload articles. Regular access to email. Flair for writing in Sinhalese.
Send your CV and a letter of motivation to <info@srilanka.astroepo.org> Note that only 5 applicants will be selected.
Deadline: 30 May 2018
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Astronomy Glossary Sinhalese
Astronomy is a cutting edge science that produces new discoveries constantly. This new knowledge leads to creating new words to describe certain finding, topics, etc. Many of the astronomical phenomena is not translatable in Sinhalese because of lack of words in Sinhalese. Also, without a standard glossary, it’s quite easy to end up with several different new words created by book authors to describe the same knowledge.
The project is to build a comprehensive astronomy glossary in Sinhalese in collaboration of science editors, authors and Youtubers. The volunteer position is open for 6 months period, starting from April 2018.
For whom: High school students, university students, teachers, astronomy enthusiasts.
Requirements: Computer and internet access to download/upload articles. Regular access to email. Flair for writing in Sinhalese.
Send your CV and a letter of motivation to <info@srilanka.astroepo.org> Note that only one volunteer will be selected.
Deadline: 30 May 2018
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JAXA Hayabusa 2 Space Art Contest
Hayabusa2 is an asteroid sample return mission of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission will observe the asteroid 162173 Ryugu, a dark asteroid, nearly one kilometer in diameter is classified as near-Earth object and potentially hazardous asteroid. Hayabusa2 was launched on December 3, 2014. It should arrive at the C-type asteroid in mid 2018, staying around there for one and half years before leaving the asteroid at the end of 2019 and returning to Earth around the end of 2020.
At the moment, scientists know a very little about the appearance of the asteroid Ryugu. JAXA invites everyone from Sri Lanka to imagine what Hayabusa2 will see when it reaches the asteroid. The entries are welcome in the format of digital art and on A4 paper.
The entries will be judged by Sri Lanka Astronomical Association for the scientific accuracy, and by Collective of Contemporary Artists (CoCA) for the artists impression. The space art contest will run from 1-31 March 2018. Winners will be announced on 15 April. The winning entries will be sent to JAXA’s global contest. National winners will be invited to an asteroid mission workshop in Colombo. International winners will receive a prize from JAXA.
For whom: Open to students at all levels.
Deadline: 15 May 2018
More information: http://srilanka.astroepo.org/jaxa-hayabusa-2-space-art-contest/