USM NATIONAL ASTRONOMY CONVENTION 2006
(10 – 12 March 2006)
Venue: Padang Kawad and Main Examination Hall
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Pulau Pinang
ADMISSION IS FREE
ALL ARE WELCOME
Introduction
All over Malaysia, the search for dark skies is becoming a subject of great interest and concern for amateur astronomers. In many places when amateur astronomers get together to observe the stars, they compare their skies to those they once saw on some remote areas such as the Sheikh Tahir Observatory in Pantai Acheh, Penang, or Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi or Bukit Tinggi, Selangor.
In fact serious amateur astronomers have had great vacations for many years in many dark site areas to enjoy and photograph the wonders of the universe.
In line with the aspirations of all astronomy enthusiasts, the Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia with the cooperation of the Mufti Department of Penang and the Museum and Gallery of Universiti Sains Malaysia will be organizing the second “USM National Astronomy Convention 2006” from 10 to 12 March 2006 in Universiti Sains Malaysia. This convention will be open to amateur and professional astronomers and the general public with the aim to promote astro-tourism in the country.
Objectives
The objectives of this convention are:
To create greater awareness among the public about the greatness of the Creator and the amazing universe.
To initiate a new branch of tourism, that is astro-tourism
To expose teachers and students on the subject of astronomy and space exploration and generate keen interest on it
To provide an opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts with telescopes in Malaysia and neighbouring countries to gather in one place to share their experience in astronomy
To provide an opportunity for the business community to exhibit telescopes and other astronomy related hardware, software and services.
To place the name of Universiti Sains Malaysia as the venue of the annual “USM National Astronomy Convention”.
Activities
Many activities will be conducted in this convention such as
Keynote public lecture
Public lecture
Telescopes exhibition by commercial companies
Exhibition of astronomy related products by commercial companies
Aerospace exhibition
Astronomy clubs and societies exhibition
Planetarium shows
AstroRace
Sunspots and solar flares observation
Star-party in Padang Kawad
Telescope making workshop
Beginners’ in astronomy workshop
Spectrohelioscope workshop
Water-rocket workshop
Astrophotography competition
Water-rocket competition
Alien making competition
International Space Station Design Competition
Space art painting competition
Quizzes
Who Can Participate ?
Amateur and professional astronomers
Universities and colleges
Primary and secondary schools
Astronomy clubs and societies in Malaysia
Astronomy clubs and societies in neighbouring countries (Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia)
Companies and vendors of astronomical equipment
Companies and vendors of astronomy and science books and software
Tourists
Members of the public
Commercial Exhibitions and Promotions
For companies that are interested to take part in the commercial exhibitions and promotions, exhibition boots are provided are the rate of RM300.00 for three days of activities in the Main Examination Hall of Universiti Sains Malaysia, next to Padang Kawad. The payment for participation in this convention can be made by cash payment during the registration period on 10 March 2006 or by Money Order/Postal Order/Check (crossed) payable to:
Bendahari
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Pulau Pinang
Enquiries
Enquiries can be made to the following:
Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Tel: 04-6532115
Fax:04-6576155
E-mail: harom@ntfizik.usm.my
(1) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chong Hon Yew, h/p: 016-3157318
(2) En. Nik Khusairie Nik Aman, h/p: 017-9815800
(3) En. Jamil Zakaria, h/p: 012-4577990
Booking of Accomodation
Guest House (Rumah Tetamu)
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Tel: 04-6532030/6532050
Fax: 04-6597124
Hotel Vistana
Address: 213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, Bukit Jambul, 11950, Penang
Tel: 04-6468000
Fax: 04-6468343
Hotel Equatorial
Address: No.1, Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Penang
Tel: 04-6438111
Fax: 04-6448000
Hotel Sri Malaysia
Address: No. 7, Jalan Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11950 Penang
Tel: 04-6429452
Fax: 04-6429452
Dateline for submission of information concerning commercial exhibitions and promotion is 28 February 2006.