The Antalya Sky Observation Festival, organized by TÜBİTAK, has been captivating astronomy enthusiasts of all ages for the past 25 years. Located in Saklıkent, Antalya, the festival provides a unique opportunity to explore the mesmerizing wonders of the night sky. With the collaboration of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, this year's event promises to be the most extraordinary yet. Let's delve into the details of this captivating festival, where science, technology, and the mysteries of the cosmos converge.
Discover the Largest Observatory in Türkiye
TÜBİTAK's National Observatory Campus (TUG) in Antalya is home to the largest and most advanced telescopes in Türkiye. Enthusiasts and experts alike will gather at this prestigious location from August 10th to 13th to indulge in the celestial observations. The event will be graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Minister of Industry and Technology, and Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, the President of TÜBİTAK.
A Tradition of Sky Observation
The Sky Observation Festival, first organized by the Science and Technology Magazine in 1998, has since become a cherished tradition. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, TÜBİTAK has taken the helm in coordinating the festival. Astronomical enthusiasts can embrace the opportunity to examine the night sky under the guidance of expert astronomers in the serene setting of Saklıkent, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters.
How to Join the Festival
If you're eager to participate in this extraordinary event, you can apply through the official website of the festival at gozlem.tug.tubitak.gov.tr until July 7, 2023, at 23:59. The selection process will be conducted through a lottery system, with 1,000 lucky individuals chosen from the numerous applications received from all corners of Türkiye.
Nurturing Future Scientific Minds
Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasizes the significance of fostering scientific curiosity among children, stating, "We aim to ignite the passion for science, technology, space, and astronomy that lies within our children. We firmly believe that those who explore the stars, the moon, and the planets will become the eminent scientists of tomorrow." The Minister expresses his delight in the overwhelming public response to the sky observation events, with people of all ages flocking to them from across the country.
Elevating Astronomy Awareness
TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal highlights the organization's dedication to increasing public interest and awareness in astronomy and space science. He explains, "Our objective is to delve into our past because, when we look back, we see that we were the pioneers of astronomy in the Turkish-Islamic geography. However, there has been a gap. To bridge this gap swiftly, we initiated sky observation events. Now, with our national space program, these events have gained even greater significance. This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic and TÜBİTAK's 60th year, we have launched our indigenous and national observation satellite, İmece, into space. We will soon launch our communication satellite, Türksat 6A. We have also determined the first Turkish astronaut who will journey to the International Space Station. The year 2023 marks Türkiye's declaration of 'we are present in space.'"
Embracing the Magic of the Sky
The Antalya Sky Observation Festival aims to nurture young people's interest in space through the vision of the National Space Program. For years, astronomy enthusiasts have flocked to the festival, eager to engage in a range of activities, including seminars, contests, and various hands-on projects related to astronomy. Throughout the event, participants can take part in outdoor workshops, telescope observations, and experiments. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own observation equipment, such as cameras and telescopes, to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
A Celestial Journey
Under the vast expanse of the night sky, participants will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of thousands of stars with the guidance of expert astronomers and professional telescopes. They will explore and acquaint themselves with celestial bodies, including stars, galaxies, and nebulae. The festival will also feature captivating presentations by scientists, covering topics such as exoplanets, satellite technologies, lunar missions, rocket experiments, and close encounters with asteroids.
A Call to Celebrate the Sky Observation Tradition
Minister Kacır expresses his pride in the 25-year tradition of the sky observation festival and extends a warm invitation to everyone to join in and experience the excitement firsthand. The festival not only offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe but also aims to nurture a sense of wonder and appreciation for astronomy and space science in society as a whole.
Elevate Your Astronomical Perspective
The Antalya Sky Observation Festival is a gateway to the celestial wonders above. Join this extraordinary event to explore the mysteries of the sky, engage in scientific discourse, and witness the marvels of the universe. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of astronomy, where the stars, planets, and galaxies await your discovery. Apply now for a chance to be part of this awe-inspiring experience and embark on a celestial journey like no other.
01.07.2023