'Blind Rocks!' selected to receive a telescope signed by astronauts and Nobel Laureates

This is a great news to share with you all that Blind Rocks! will receive a telescope singed by astronauts and Nobel Laureates this year. Blind Rocks! become one of the 17 communities around the world to receive a telescope for their outreach program. Congratulations Blind Rocks! team.

Ms. Sristi KC, Founder- Blind Rocks!

After getting the result of the selection, she shared with us, 

My vision always was an inclusive and egalitarian society. Winning this prestigious award has brought me one step closer to pursue my dream project of making astronomy inclusive for all. I am very grateful for NASO and entire committee for granting me this opportunity!

Nepal received a total of 23 applications before the deadline. Once we received the proposal, we provided our feedback to the individual/organisation for the possible improvements to make it more competitive. Total of 17 proposals have been endorsed for the further evaluation by the Office of Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO) and team. 

The global call received received 172 applications endorsed by the IAU National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) from 34 countries including Nepal

This is the first group of telescopes to be distributed by the Telescopes for All: Inspiring Stars & Stars Shine for Everyone Collaboration. 

Telescopes for All is a collaboration between the International Astronomical Union Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO), Stars Shine for Everyone (Sterren Schitteren voor Iedereen, SSVI) and Universe Awareness/University of Leiden. The programme seeks to broaden the horizons of children, parents and educators alike, to spark an interest in science, and to promote equal opportunities for pursuing a career in astronomy. The Telescopes for All programme is one of the legacy actions arising from the IAU100 rs celebrations and follows the successful collaboration in 2019. The 17 telescopes were donated by BRESSER.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital camera will be provided with each telescope, so that outreach professionals and science educators can conduct their observations and share them safely with their community online until safety measures allow for face-to-face interactions.

Shipping of all the telescopes will begin in late September 2020, provided that COVID-19 safety measures allow. 

To learn more about our activities in Nepal, please visit our official website: www.nepalastronomicalsociety.org