The Skopje Astronomical Society launched an initiative to build a modern national observatory, which would be accessible to science, education and the public. As part of the initiative, they also announced online petition.
“The formation of an astronomical observatory in Macedonia has a long, but unfortunately unsuccessful history. In the past decades, numerous professors, scientists, academics, citizens, associations and institutions have launched initiatives to establish a national astronomical observatory, but none of them have been realized,” says the Society.
Today, they point out, when the interest in cosmic sciences and technologies is constantly growing – especially among young people – Macedonia remains one of the few European countries without a modern astronomical observatory.
“That is why, in the past months, the expert team of the Civil-Scientific Space Agency (GNCA) prepared a project initiative for the establishment of the Macedonian Astronomical Observatory. Two telescopes are planned within the observatory, while the smaller one will be available for schools and the youngest researchers. A special emphasis is placed on automation, which will allow the telescopes to be used via the Internet from all parts of the country,” the petition states.
According to astronomers, the national observatory will enable scientific research, participation in international projects, work with real astronomical data and direct involvement of schools and universities in scientific activities. In addition to the scientific role, astronomers say, it will also be a center for education, public observations and popularization of science.
“Macedonia is home to Kokino – a locality that many consider to be one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. It is paradoxical that today we do not have a modern national astronomical infrastructure that will serve future generations. It is time to change that. With your signature, you are sending a message that Macedonia deserves a modern astronomical observatory, accessible to scientists, students, pupils and all science lovers,” the petition reads.
Astronomers ask the competent institutions to support the establishment of the Macedonian Astronomical Observatory.
“Support the initiative and help build a new window to space. If our ancestors left traces in the history of astronomy through Kokino, it is our responsibility to create a modern scientific infrastructure for current and future generations,” the petition reads.
The new “Vera Rubin” observatory has discovered more than 11,000 previously unknown asteroids
Dear reader,
Our access to web content is free, because we believe in equality in information, regardless of whether someone can pay or not.
Therefore, in order to continue our work, we ask for the support of our community of readers by financially supporting the Free Press.
Become a member of Sloboden Pechat to help the facilities that will enable us to deliver long-term and quality information and TOGETHER let’s ensure a free and independent voice that will ALWAYS BE ON THE PEOPLE’S SIDE.
