About
Many members of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) are involved in astronomy Education and Public Outreach at all levels of society, ranging from school visits to university education, media contacts and activities for the general public. The Education and Public Outreach Chapter (EPOC) is a Chapter of the ASA providing a forum to discuss and promote these activities, whilst also initiating some of its own.
The Mission of EPOC is:
To advance the level of public awareness of the excitement of astronomy and of the international importance of Australian astronomy, while promoting the teaching of astronomy to students and the public.
The ASA is a signatory to the Washington Charter for Communicating Astronomy to the Public, which acknowledges the responsibility of astronomers to effectively communicate astronomy to the public for the benefit of all.
For full information on the Goals and Activities of the new EPOC, please explore the links above.
Membership
Membership of EPOC is open to all members of the ASA. While emphasizing the activities of professional astronomers and postgraduate students, the ASA also has the grade of Associate Member designed for Educators or distinguished amateur astronomers who have a demonstrated dedication to the advancement of astronomy or astronomy education.
The Chapter currently has 36 members. To join EPOC, please send an e-mail to asaepoc @ gmail.com.
News
- There are two great opportunities for outreach activities in 2012, with the Transit of Venus on the morning of 6 June and a solar eclipse visible from Australia on 14 November. Read all about these events in the Astronomy Factsheets here.
- EPOC will be holding a lunch time meeting at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the ASA. To register for the ASM, see here. Stay tuned for details of the EPOC meeting.
- The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) is holding their National Meeting on Science Education and Communication in Tuscon, Arizona, 4-8 August 2012. For details see here.
- Canada’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra present The Galileo Project. If you’ve ever wondered what the universe sounds like, here is your chance. Touring nationally in Australia in March 2012. For details, see here.
- A new grant scheme for science engagement is available through the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia strategy. More details on applications to “Unlock Australia’s Potential” are available here. The grant round is open from 16 January to 29 February 2012.
- ASA Members are encouraged to nominate themselves or colleagues for the David Allen Prize, awarded for exceptional achievement in astronomy communication. More details are available here.
Contact
To contact the EPOC Steering Committee, including requests to join the Education and Public Outreach Chapter, please send an e-mail to the Chair, Chris Fluke: asaepoc @ gmail.com
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