Saturday, October 10, 2009

A look into Astronomy through the days of Rizal


A book review on The Integration of Astronomy in the Rizal Course, by Jose A. Fadul, PhD


Professor Jose A. Fadul of Della Salle University, in line with the observance of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, presents to us the astronomical foundation in which Rizal experienced. He brings us back to the time of Rizal by integrating the subject astronomy into the timeline covered under the Rizal course.

Despite Rizal’s not being an astronomer, Prof. Fadul presents to us the background of Rizal in astronomy; such as the naming of planets and their mythological association with gods from Ateneo, Dr. A. B. Meyer, & T. Pardo de Tavera; his reading of the Historia Universal; and even the mention of items in his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which may pertain to the context of astronomy, such as the burning of Copernicus’ work in the Noli. Also, Prof. Fadul describes the account of Rizal with the Great September Comet of 1882 (C/1882 R1). He also mentions the naming of tektites in honor of Rizal - rizalites. In Rizal’s letter to his sister from Madrid, he mentions the sighting of the comet on their way home from Don Pablo’s. It was then believed, by superstitious Filipinos, to have caused cholera. Likewise, Rizal’s visits to some observatories are also mentioned.

The book, The Integration of Astronomy in the Rizal Course, is a creative astronomy text in which Filipino history (specifically Rizal’s history) provides the flow of discussion. It is amazing how Professor Jose Fadul brings up discussions in astronomy from the context of Rizal’s history and works – such as Bluementritt’s inference of Rizal to a comet. The book is very informative, providing basic facts in astronomy while relating it to the Philippine context. Works such as this like Dr. Ambrosio’s Mamahi (ethnoastronomy), are quite interesting since we get to experience astronomy through our heritage and unique experiences as Filipinos. His explanations are supported with clear images, presenting facts from the timeframe of Rizal and supporting it with the current context.

Personally, I would have loved to have had this book incorporated to my history 41 (Rizal) class last semester. A lot of my classmates and some friends who took the Rizal subject are interested in astronomy. As a matter of fact, some of us sat down the beach of Dakak, during our field trip to Dipolog, and observed the unobstructed view of the night sky. Relating the lessons of the course to astronomy would have been very interesting.

This book will certainly come recommended to Filipinos interested in having a background in astronomy.



Reuel Norman A. Marigza, Jr.
BS Physics, Silliman University

Monday, September 7, 2009

IYA 2009 Philippine poll results

The IYA2009_Philippines yahoo group had a poll on ways to develop Philippine astronomy. The result for the poll was posted on September 8, 2009.

Here are the top 5 choices:

Greater cooperation among astronomical organizations, institutions and individual astronomers (14.29%)

Support for astronomy education in the undergraduate and graduate levels (14.29%)

Use of various media to promote astronomy, i.e. internet, television, radio (14.29%)

Establishment of local and international linkages (12.24%)

Creation of an astronomical union in the country, composed of astronomical societies, institutions and agencies (10.20%)

The rest of the choices were:
*Inclusion of separate astronomy courses in the primary and secondary levels
*Establishment of scientific research programs in astronomy and astrophysics
*Scholarships for students with majors in astronomy or astrophysics
*Establishment of local and international linkages
*Publications, such as books, journals, newsletters, and conference proceedings
*Astronomical conventions/ conferences/ congress

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

IYA 2009 National Astronomy Olympiad

The National Organizing Commitee of the IYA2009, in cooperation with UP NISMED, will be holding the first IYA2009 Philippine Olympiad. The Olympiad is open to both secondary and collegiate level, both competing in their respective levels. The Olympiad will be conducted in two stages: a regional and a national.

The regional eliminations will be held simultaneously in 17 regions of the country. The eliminations has been postponed to November 7. The finals will be held at UP-NISMED, Quezon City on 11 December 2009


You can download the registration form here:
http://www.astronomy2009.ph/cgi-bin/download.pl/files/pdf/astroolympiad-registrationform.pdf

For more details visit the IYA2009 Philippines Official Website.

For queries please contact Dr. Merle C. Tan, Director of UP-NISMED and Chairperson of the IYA2009 Olympiad at telephone numbers 981-8500 loc. 3901 to 3910, 927-4276 and 928-1563 or through Email.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

100 Hours Astronomy

One of the cornerstone projects of the IYA is the 100 Hours Astronomy. The objective of which, is to let as much people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. The duration of this world wide event is from April 2-5 (16 days from now).

If you own a telescope, be involved and set it up for viewing. Invite your friends to take a look, and appreciate the beauty of the heavens.

For more information, visit:
100hoursofastronomy.org

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Philippine Jounal of Astronomy (PJA)

In line with the IYA2009, the Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) is beginning the very fist astonomical journal for the Philippines. The journal will feature technical papers, astronomy articles, reviews and convention proceedings.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

1st Philippine Astronomy Convention

The Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) will be having the very first Philippine Astronomy Convention. This will be held in the Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong, on February 15, 2009. EVERYONE is invited to attend!

You can download the invitation at:
http://www.astroleaguephils.org/pac_2009.pdf