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

2. The Location of the Society: Volos, Central Greece
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

3. 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.
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

4. 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:
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

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

6. 14 pan-hellenic astronomy competitions for pupils of secondary schools
More than 300 participants – in two phases
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

7. Pupils astronomy competitions
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

8. 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)
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

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

10. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

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

12. Organization and Support of Conferences
1998
1999
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

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

14. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Solar Eclipses
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

15. P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens
Publication of books
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

16. 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)
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens

17. 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.
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P.A. Patsis, RCfA, Academy of Athens