National Astronomy Week

National Astronomy Week

Day 2

February 16, 2016

NAW Day 2: Interschool Seminar

Fifth year BS Astronomy Technology (BSAst) students led a seminar for selected schools on the second day of National Astronomy Week 2016 (NAW), held at Sen. Neptali A. Gonzales Academic Hall (SNAGAH), February 16.

                Concurrent lectures for guest students and teachers was the first part. Guest students were instructed by Department of Earth and Space Sciences (DESS) faculty member and BSAst alumna, Ms. Pauline Divinagracia about Observational Astronomy.

While, guest teachers were lectured by Mr. Miguel Artificio and Mr. Jerome Felicidario (Also DESS Faculty members and BSAst alumni) on how Astronomy could be part of teaching Mathematics and Science subjects.

After which, it was followed by a solar observation on the RTU Quadrangle. Then the second half of lectures were helmed by Mr. Gary Andereassen—who talked about Street Astronomy and the Solar System. Followed by former DESS faculty member, Mr. Norman Margiza taught about Basic Astrophotography.

Program was concluded by a night observation, held again at the RTU Quadrangle.

 

 For more pictures: RTU Astronomy Society Facebook
The Armillary Publication
Writer: Jerald Barranta
Photographer: Chenel Dominguez

National Astronomy Week

National Astronomy Week

Day 1

February 15, 2016

NAW 2016 Opening

MANDALUYONG CITY—RTU Astronomy Society (RTU-AstroSoc) opened this year’s National Astronomy Week (NAW) with the theme TALA: The Art of Learning Astronomy, February 15.

On her opening remarks, RTU AstroSoc president Ms. Julie Ann Delda, gratefully thanked all the speakers, students and guests who attended this year’s NAW.

Lectures were held by BS Astronomy Technology alumni, namely Mr. Kelvin Martinez (Batch 2012), Mr. Miguel Artificio (Batch 2013) and Mr. Jerome Felicidario (Batch 2015).

Mr. Martinez tackled about Astronomy Misconceptions, here he talked about the common mistakes of people in the field of Astronomy like: astronomy is related to astrology, seasons are due to the earth’s location from the sun and shooting stars are falling stars. Followed by Mr. Artificio, he talked about Telescopes. From its history, types and structures.

Succeeded by Mr. Felicidario, his lecture, entitled A Glimpse of the Big Bang. He discussed the paradigm shift of the understanding of the origin of the universe—from the Physics of Aristotle to the Physics of Einstein.

Moreover, lectures were balanced by fun and exciting games namely: Laser Race, Pass the Alien Message and Cosmic Calendar.

for more pictures: RTU-Astronomy Society Facebook

The Armillary Publication

Writer: Jerald Barranta

Photographer: Chenel Dominguez

Geminid Meteor Shower 2015

RTU-AstroSoc Geminid Meteor Shower 2015

RTU Astronomy Society spearheaded an overnight observation activity in anticipation of the annual Geminid meteor shower, held at Aguho Elementary School, Tanay, Rizal from the afternoon of December 12 to morning of the 13th.

Participants left RTU past 1pm and traversed urban traffic, long, winding roads through the mountains and walked up and down hilly terrain. They had a stop-over at Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia upon arrival in Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay at 4. Dominican Sisters, stewards of the site, introduced and guided the students and faculty on their circuit around Regina RICA. They trekked afterwards, shuffling along roads and stony paths, to Aguho Elementary School.

Students were briefly oriented and organized in preparation for the hours-long observation. Glowstick bracelets were handed out as a measure of recognition for the organizers. The participants headed for dinner and some rest, while residents from Sitio Aguho had been introduced and invited to observe the night sky through the telescopes that were brought to the site.

Observation proper began at around 8 PM. Meteors appeared sporadically but increased in frequency as the hours ticked to midnight and early, and originated often in Orion. Fireballs have been seen, and meteors shot through the sky in pairs as the night went on. The participants were herded to bed past 2 AM; the sky then being cloudy with a slight drizzle falling to the observers forced the event to a halt.

Moreover, participants left the site at 6 AM and returned to Rizal Technological University at 9.

Writer: Aleandra Rivera

Mr. and Ms. Astro 2013

Mr. and Ms. Astro

The Rizal Technological University Astronomy Society held its annual search for Mr. and Ms. Astronomy last September 14, 2013 where Mr. Jason Kalaw and Ms. Jochelle Micaela Heruela were deemed as the winners.

Ms. and Mr. Astro 2013

The pageant was started with a prayer led by Mr. Aldrin Gabuya, followed by the National Anthem. After that, the judges for the event were introduced. They are Ms. Maria Angela Lourdes Lequiron, Mr. Ryan Manuel Guido—instructors at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences—and Mr. Frank Kelvin Martinez, a former instructor and alumni of the Rizal Technological University.

After the judges were introduced, the contest proper immediately started with the casual wear portion followed by an intermission number. Then, the contest proceeded to the talent portion where the contestants their exceptional talents. This was followed by a special performance number by the Ms. Astronomy 2012, Princes Catherine Ilagan. After that, the pageant continued in the formal wear competition which was followed by the question and answer portion. The contest proper was then concluded by the “final walk” of the Ms. Astronomy 2012 and the announcement of the winners.

     

Special Awards were also given and the awards are as follows: for the girls, the awards for Best in Casual Wear and in Formal Wear were awarded to Nicole Hortelano, sophomore representative, and the Best in Talent award was given to Jochelle Micaela Heruela, freshman representative. As for the boys, the awards for Best in Talent and Best in Casual Wear were taken home by Jason Kalaw, sophomore representative. Lastly, Patrick Christoffer Obsuna was awarded as Best in Formal Wear.

Writer: Ren Flores

Photos by: Fey Albayda, Justine Garcia and Jianro Fadul

2nd Batch of Filipino Astronomers

2nd Batch Graduates of BS Astronomy Technology

Congratulations!

Pauline Pearl M. Divinagracia

Miguel M. Artificio

Ma. Angela Lourdes B. Lequiron

During Graduation May 2 2013

CEIT Graduation May 2 2013

Filipino Astronomers