The Society for Space and Astronomy P.A. Patsis Research Center for Astronomy, Academy of Athens

The Location of the Society: Volos, Central Greece 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

2 reasons for communicating astronomy with the public …a duty for professional astronomers. After all the public pays (through taxes) for the research we do and deserves to know about its results. Aristotle: Man “ΦΥΣΕΙ ΟΡΕΓΕΤΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΕΙΔΕΝΑΙ” (by his nature likes to learn). … However, the role of certain persons in a society who “infect” younger generations with the enthusiasm for research is very important. 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Founded 1990 Based mainly on the personal work of the two other coauthors of this presentation, K. Mavromatis and L. Zachilas, and few other members of the Society at Volos Started from scratch, today has about 480 members, and here are its achievements: 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

ΟΥΡΑΝΟΣ (ouranos = the sky) Since 1991. Today printed 4 times/year in 800 copies 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

14 pan-hellenic astronomy competitions for pupils of secondary schools More than 300 participants – in two phases 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

Pupils astronomy competitions 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Winners The winners (1 boy and 1 girl) visit NASA’s Space Camp at Huntsville, Alabama, accompanied by a member of the Society. (At the picture L. Zachilas, from the 1st visit, 2000) 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

Summer schools for non-astronomers Since 2000. Lessons last 1 week. Teach professors from universities and researchers from research institutes. 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens www.astronomos.gr 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

Organizes talks in an (almost) weekly basis An important event for the cultural life of the city of Volos 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

Organization and Support of Conferences 1998 1999 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

“Star-nights”. Observations 1996. Bought the first Telescope of the Society (Meade 12) 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Solar Eclipses 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Publication of books 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Other activities Radio broadcasts at two local radio stations Participation at ESO’s educational project “Astronomy online” Organization of exhibitions about astronomy Branches in other cities (Naussa, Katerini, Kasos) 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens Conclusion Enthusiasm is a sine qua non condition for effectively communicating astronomy with the public. The Society for Space and Astronomy at Volos, succeeds in giving many opportunities for communication between researchers and public in showing to the new generation the stars and ways to reach them. 1/16/2019 P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens