Institute of Astronomy
The Institute of Astronomy or IoA is the education and research
infrastructure of the Astronomical League of the
Philippines. The Institute is involved in formal and
non-formal astronomy education and research programs.
The current and first Director is Dr. Armando Lee.
History
During the International Year of Astronomy, scientific
bodies were established within the society to foster the development of specialized fields.
For the first year, two scientific divisions were
created: the Division on Sun & Heliosphere and the
Division on Astronomy Education & Development. Within
the solar division, two commissions were initiated: the
Commission on Solar Activity, which was tasked to
monitor solar occurrences and produce the Philippine
Solar Index, and the Commission on Eclipses, which was
tasked to observe and document the various lunar and
solar eclipses in and outside the country.
Message from the Director
The year 2009 saw the coming
together of the world’s astronomers, both professional
and amateur, in promoting astronomy by giving telescope
views of celestial bodies to ordinary people on the
streets, in parks, and even on computer websites where
the spirit of sharing the heavens were done through live
webcast and even virtual telescope sharing. It was done
in celebration of the 400th year of Galileo’s discoveries
using his improved version of the telescope. The
Astronomical League of the Philippines took part in this
grand year of celebration called the International Year
of Astronomy 2009. It was a fruitful participation for
the members and officers of the ALP. An important aspect
of this was the lessons learned from doing these
activities. These events that were carried out and
participated by ALP brought out the realization that the
organization needed to consolidate its resources in
terms of manpower and logistics to be more effective and
more efficient in doing public viewing, outreach
activities and even scientific observations. Limited
resources can be effectively managed and improved upon
if the different uses and activities are coordinated
effectively and in a faster manner under an institute
within the organization. This is the goal of the
creation of an Institute of Astronomy within the
society. And this is envisioned to streamline and
improve the participation of ALP in astronomy education,
public outreach and scientific observation and research.
Having been appointed the director of the Institute of Astronomy of the Astronomical League of the Philippines, I would like to first express my gratitude to the members of ALP for having faith in the newly created institute and also for giving me the chance to serve in this new exciting endeavor of the ALP.
In behalf of the Officers and Directors of ALP, I welcome all our members’ participation whether be it in their knowledge, skill and logistics in pursuing astronomy related activities and events especially in the field of observational research and studies where astronomy education can simultaneously be exhibited and practiced for the benefit of ALP members as well as the local astronomy community.
Clear Skies to all,
Dr. Armando Lee
Director
Institute of Astronomy
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