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 until 15 May 2018. The winning entries will be sent to JAXA’s global contest. National winners will be invited to an asteroid mission workshop at CoCA residence in Colombo. International winners will receive a prize from JAXA.

Guidelines:

– The contest is open to students at all levels. If you are under 13 years of age, the submission should be signed by the parent.

– Submissions should be original. Either digital or physical artwork can be submitted in the A4 size.

– Deadline to send the art work is 15 May 2018.

– The submissions will be published online and shared with JAXA for the international contest.

– Add your full name, age, phone number and address in your submission.

– Send your art work via;

Email to <info@srilanka.astroepo.org> with subject line “JAXA Hayabusa 2 Space Art Contest” or by post to:

JAXA Hayabusa 2 Space Art Contest
CoCA
No 33,
Gothami Rd,
Colombo 08,
Sri Lanka.