Nepal builds on its seat in global astronomy

Nepal is solidifying its position within the global astronomy community, a journey marked by its 19th Foundation Day of the Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) on August 25. This occasion serves as a moment to reflect on the nation's progress and its future aspirations in the field.

The country's formal engagement with international astronomy began two decades ago, in 2006, when Nepali astronomers first attended the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly. This marked the beginning of a steady growth in Nepal's international presence, a significant step for a nation with a long-standing cultural and historical connection to the sky.

NASO's own journey started in 2007, evolving from a small group of enthusiasts organizing stargazing sessions and outreach programs into a nationwide network. The society actively promotes astronomy education, research, and public engagement, reaching diverse audiences across the country. Simultaneously, Nepal has maintained its participation in every IAU General Assembly since its initial presence in 2006.

Over the years, Nepal has cultivated strong ties with the IAU. In 2018, the IAU appointed National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) for Nepal, who have since coordinated public engagement activities within the IAU's global network. This outreach effort has been complemented by a focus on education. Nepal was an early adopter of the IAU's Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) global network, establishing a NAEC (National Astronomy Education Coordinator) team hosted at NASO.

This educational initiative led to the establishment of OAE Node Nepal, the first of its kind in the OAE's global network, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in July. The Nepali NAEC team, working with specialists from across the country's educational and scientific communities, is dedicated to documenting astronomy education, organizing teacher training, and developing locally relevant classroom materials. The team's efforts were recognized with certificates at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2024 in Brazil, alongside representatives from over 50 countries.