Astronomical League of the Philippines, Inc.

July 7, 2009 Weak Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

There will be a "weak" penumbral lunar eclipse that will be happening on early evening of July 7, 2009 but unfortunately, the possibility of observing this event for any shadings seems hopeless as there will only be a 16% shadings during maximum penumbral phase which will happen at around 5:38pm Philippine Standard Time (PST) with the Moon still below horizon. The Moon will just rise at around 6:32pm :( The "light" penumbral shading will end at around 6:39pm.

Philippine Journal of Astronomy
June 2009 Issue

The June 2009 issue of the Philippine Journal of Astronomy is already out. For ALP members, please download your copy at the Member's Section.

ALP Stargazing Session at PAGASA Observatory

Members of the Astronomical League of the Philippines had an urban stargazing session last May 23 at the roof deck of PAGASA Observatory. For full report, click here.

ALP MONTHLY MEETING REPORT

The ALP held its Monthly Meeting last June 7, 2009 at Manila Planetarium. For details, click here.

Do you want to be a Professional Astronomer?

The 200-inch telescope at Palomar Observatory.
Professional astronomers use optical telescopes, such as the one featured on top - the Palomar Observatory - and other types of telescopes to study the cosmos and our place in the universe.
Image credit: Palomar Observatory

Here's how you can become a professional in astronomy:

Pay close attention to your instructor during classes in mathematics and the sciences. These two are crucial tools in the field of astronomy.
Find a university where you can earn a bachelor's degree in astronomy or related field. In the Philippines, only the Rizal Technological University (RTU) offers a baccalaureate program in astronomy. There are also academic institutions that offer degree in Physics, which is closely related to astronomy. Notable would be the National Institute of Physics (NIP) of the University of the Philippines in Diliman (UPD).
Pursue graduate studies. The RTU offers a Graduate Diploma in Astronomy and the Master of Science in Astronomy. NIP-UPD offers Master's and PhD programs in Physics.
Engage in research and/or education in the field of astronomy or space science.
Join a scientific organization for professional astronomers. In the Philippines, the Astronomical League of the Philippines serves as the venue for this scientific community. Although majority of membership to the ALP is composed of non-academically prepared astronomers, the society welcomes professional astronomers among its rank since it recognizes the collaborative role of professional and nonprofessional astronomers in the development of astronomy and space sciences.

Call for Papers: Philippine Journal of Astronomy

The Philippine Journal of Astronomy is now accepting papers for publication. The PJA is the first such journal in the country that publishes technical and general articles in astronomy.

For details, please visit Philippine Journal of Astronomy

RTU Astronomy Course Offerings
First Semester, SY 2009 - 2010

Enrollment for all programs for the first semester is on-going. Some freshmen students have already enrolled in the BS in Astronomy Technology program.

Processing for the graduate programs have started. Graduate courses offered are AST 204 (A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars), AST 205 (Seminar on Galaxies), and AST 207 (Basic Principles on the Solar System). All graduate courses starting this Summer will be credited to the Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, a 24-unit program. Should the student decide to continue with the MS in Astronomy program, all the 24 units will be credited. The 24-unit program can be finished in 3 semesters.

For additional information, please e-mail the head of RTU Department of Astronomy, Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres.

SUN , MOON & WEATHER UPDATES

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