Astronomy spreading among Palestinian youth
NOVA for Astronomy and Space Science is helping Palestinian universities establish astronomy clubs, to increase the knowledge in astronomy among students and the public.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Seven students from Al-Quds University in Abu Dis attended the first class in astronomy on April 14, organized in cooperation with NOVA for Astronomy and Space Science, a Ramallah-based nonprofit association that oversees the training.
The first-of-its-kind course at the university's headquarters, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) east of Jerusalem, was organized in collaboration with the university's astronomy club, which was established in partnership with NOVA on April 5, with the aim to introduce the students to astronomy.
Mohammed Awada, head of the astronomy club at the Department of Physics, told Al-Monitor, “We received the first two-hour practical training since we established the club, focusing on how to use the telescope and learning the basics of astronomical observations."
He said, “Over the next few weeks we will intensify training in order to reinstate the club’s administrative body and strengthen its knowledge and ability to properly use a telescope and imaging equipment so they can teach the club members.”
