Islamabad: Pakistan’s capital city is all set to get an observatory and a space museum to take the stargazers on a spectacular journey through the universe.
The observatory will be established under a joint initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) for which the Institute of Space Technology (IST) will provide technical expertise.
The idea is to offer the public an understanding of space and astronomy and to inspire the next generation of scientists with enriching and engaging experience, Dr Tariq Masood, who is leading the project, told Gulf News. “There will be full-dome projection system, guided tours that teach about the solar system, educational science films offering visitors a unique view of the universe. The attraction will be open for all where people can enjoy both day and night sky views,” Dr Masood, joint scientific adviser at the ministry of science, said.
Dr Fazeel Mahmood Khan, associate professor of space science at IST who is supervising the technical aspect of the project, said the observatory would also help resolve the moon sighting issue while educating students and sparking an interest in science and space technology. His team hopes to acquire at least a 14-inch diameter reflector telescope or an advanced version for the observatory.
Location and facility
Architect Arif Masood, who is best known for the iconic Pakistan Monument landmark, is working on the observatory’s design. The facility is expected to be completed within six months as the CDA has already approved the site in Shakarparian. Although the location is far from ideal as the best sites for observatories are located away from the cities and at a high altitude, the Islamabad facility in the heart of the city will offer easy access to visitors to view the sky through the telescope, experts say.
Observatories all over Pakistan
The science ministry has also planned an observatory in each province after the successful completion of the Islamabad project. The experts, however, suggest replacing obsolete instruments and reviving planetariums in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, which lost all charm due to poor maintenance and lack of funds. Instead of financing new ventures, “the federal government must revamp and invest in the existing planetariums that the local staff is running despite severe financial crunch,” said Humaira Khan, coordinator of schools, at PIA planetarium Karachi.
Engage local experts
Observatories play a key role in improving public understanding of astronomy in an engaging and effective manner, Dr Farrukh Shahzad, an Islamabad-based amateur astronomer, told Gulf News. “It is crucial to realise that an observatory is more than just a telescope or a facility that offers sky gazing opportunity. It is an investment in scientific education, research, innovation, which requires both expertise and instruments” to reach the goal of public education as well as research, explained Dr Shahzad, a founding member of PakAstronomers Islamabad (PAS) group active since 2007.
He urged the government to engage local experts and utilize their skills as they have been actively promoting space science and astronomy with educational activities and hands-on training in Islamabad for over two decades.
from World,Europe,Asia,India,Pakistan,Philipines,Oceania,Americas,Africa Feed https://ift.tt/3oB9Jw1
No comments:
Post a Comment