About Us
Activities

Alternative Classroom Learning Experiences

UP Astrosoc holds Alternative Classroom Learning Experiences (ACLE) every semester. ACLE is a semestral event wherein for one day, UP Diliman holds classes in more alternative subjects. UP Astrosoc always participates in these classes, giving out lectures concerning astronomy and space science. Some of the past topics of UP Astrosoc ACLEs include the following:

Astrosketching - Application of techniques used by professional designers in sketching objects seen through a telescope. This was taught by two UP Astrosoc members, Rizza Esdicul and Wenthel Uy who are also BS Interior Design Students.

Exoplanets - A discussion on planets found outside the Solar System. Dr. Jose Perrico Esguerra of the National Institute of Physics and also the faculty adviser of UP Astrosoc gave a lecture on the theories and concepts of exoplanets and their detection.

Rocket Making - A hands on exploration of the concepts of rocketry with the participants building their own rocket out of used softdrink bottles. The culmination of the activity is the participants' launching of their own homemade rockets soaring to heights of 30 to 50 feet. Professor Jun Obille of the UP NISMED Earth Science department


World Space Week

UP Astrosoc together with UP NISMED have been partners for the past two years in the local celebration of the World Space Week held during October. UP Astrosoc and UP NISMED has held stargazing sessions for students and teachers as well as rocket making competitions the past two years. UP Astrosoc has also sent members to the Bicol Science Centrum to give lectures on binocular astronomy during World Space Week.


National Astronomy Week

UP Astrosoc is also involved in the celebration of the Philippine National Astronomy Week held every third week of February. Activities include setting up astronomy exhibits inside UP Diliman buildings, Astronomy Camps for children and astronomy quizzes for high school students.


Stargazing Sessions

Regular stargazing sessions are also a regular part of UP Astrosoc activities. These may be scheduled when a certain astronomical activity is imminent such as a meteor shower or an iridium flare. However, most stargazing sessions just happen on a lark when there are enough people at the headquarters and the skies are clear. UP Astrosoc also organizes stargazing sessions in other places such as dormitories and other schools and colleges.

Other than avenues for exploring the skies, these stargazing sessions are oftentimes a venue for bonding between members as they explore their common interest in astronomy.


Planetarium Visits

UP Astrosoc regularly visits the two planetariums in metro manila, the one run by the National Museum located at the Luneta grounds and the one run by PAGASA located along BIR road in Quezon City. These visits often serve as mini field trips for the UP Astrosoc members. Planetarium visits are also an easy way for new UP Astrosoc members to experience the feeling of an unspoilt sky in today's reality of heavy light pollution.


International Year Of Physics 2005

UP Astrosoc was involved in the local celebration of the International Year of Physics last 2005. UP Astrosoc members held public exhibits and demonstrations in Eastwood City Libis and in SM Baguio during IYOP roadshows.



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