One of the astronomy camps before pandemic. Photo from the Philippine Astronomical Society Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Before the health crisis, the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) organized monthly stargazing events and viewing of meteor showers to not only show the public the wonders of astronomy but also learn about the universe and its celestial bodies.
More than 100 people joined the non-profit organization’s public events that tackled celestial bodies in the universe. But due to lockdown restrictions, the astronomy group shifted to free astronomy lectures live streamed on social media to continue their operations.
Khristian Dimacali, head of PAS, told INQUIRER.net that their organization, composed of “astronomy enthusiasts” from different career fields, was badly hit by the pandemic.
They lost about 70 percent of its funds compared from 2019 to 2020 because of lack of outdoor events, where they generate most of their funds.
“Since PAS is a non-profit organization, we raise funds from our outdoor activities so basically participants are paying for our field trips. But these things stopped [because of the pandemic]. As a result, PAS did not generate funds during the pandemic,” said Dimacali in a phone interview, in mixed Filipino and English.
The health crisis may have caused a burden on PAS’ budget but this did not stop the members’ enthusiasm to educate the public about the universe.
‘Gateway to science’
In an online episode on Jan. 24, PAS’ online moon viewing event was deferred due to weather conditions. Despite this, Dimacali, the host, urged participants not to be discouraged just because of failed sightings.
“Don’t be discouraged in becoming interested in stargazing or whatever just because of failed sightings,” said Dimacali, in mixed Filipino and English.
The organization’s “Astro At Home” began in March 2020 when lockdown restrictions were imposed. So far, astronomy members discussed finding exoplanets, patterns in night sky, movement of constellations and stars, solar eclipse, buying and choosing a telescope for celestial events, among others.
For Dimacali, the determination to inform the public on astronomy keeps their organization alive despite their budget deficiencies.
The PAS president said they wanted astronomy to become a gateway for the public to honor science even if the viewers are not graduates of science fields.
“Our role is for the community, especially the general public to appreciate astronomy. Hopefully, astronomy becomes a gateway to science or for them to look into the contribution of science in our society,” he said, partly in Filipino.
“Astronomy is a way to help people start to become interested in science. Astronomy covers celestial bodies that people see everyday such as the sun, moon and stars,” he further explained.
Public stargazing events a possibility
Most of PAS’ members are outdoor folks but they decided to suspend public activities to minimize the risk of community transmission.
Dimacali said they might begin face-to-face events again in March this year but adjusting the participants to 40 percent.
“We can already organize public events but we don’t want to risk it. This January, we are supposed to ready the details of the event. From 150 people, we will only allow 60 persons only,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.
“We were just half-hearted because we are thinking that we will generate funds but is it worth the risk?” he added.
The National Astronomy Week, which will be the 28th this year, is celebrated every third week of February. The week dedicated to promoting astronomy education is under the Proclamation No. 130 series of 1993 signed by then President Fidel Ramos.