18th NASO Day: Foundation Day of the Nepal Astronomical Society

 -Kathmandu, Nepal

The Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) proudly celebrates its 18th Foundation Day, marking nearly two decades of dedicated efforts to inspire curiosity and expand knowledge in astronomy and space science across Nepal. Since its establishment, NASO has been at the forefront of nurturing young talents, fostering public interest, and promoting scientific temper through diverse outreach, education, and research initiatives.

On this special occasion, NASO is delighted to announce the handover of astronomical equipment to NASO-Karnali, a regional chapter of NASO. This initiative is aimed at amplifying astronomy and space science outreach activities in Karnali Province, one of Nepal’s most geographically diverse and educationally promising regions. The equipment handover, coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Pushpa Raj Acharya, represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to astronomical resources and opportunities for communities in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, NASO Chairperson Suresh Bhattarai remarked:

"As we mark 18 years of NASO, we reaffirm our commitment to making astronomy and space science accessible to all. The expansion of our outreach activities in Karnali Province reflects our vision of inclusive scientific growth, where every student, teacher, and enthusiast can look up to the skies with curiosity and confidence."

Adding to this, Dr. Pushpa Raj Acharya, Coordinator of NASO-Karnali, said:

"The handover of these astronomical instruments is a milestone for Karnali Province. It will empower our educators, students, and communities to engage directly with the universe, sparking curiosity and building scientific awareness in a region where access to such resources has been limited. Together with NASO, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of space science enthusiasts from Karnali."

With the handover of equipment, NASO-Karnali will be better equipped to conduct stargazing events, school-based astronomy sessions, teacher training, and public engagement activities that spark interest in the wonders of the universe.

NASO extends heartfelt gratitude to all its members, partners, and well-wishers who have supported the society’s journey since its inception. Together, we look forward to scaling new heights in the coming years as Nepal strengthens its presence in the global astronomy and space science community.

Nepal Receives Honorable Mention Award at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)

-Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal has received one Honorable Mention Award at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025), held in Mumbai, India. The prestigious competition, conducted from August 11–21, 2025 (Shrawan 26–Bhadra 5, 2082 B.S.), brought together 288 students from 63 countries to showcase their knowledge and skills in astronomy, astrophysics, and related sciences.

During the event, participants undertook examinations with a total of 600 points—300 in theory and 300 in practical. The practical examination was divided into four sections: Telescope (50), Sky Map (50), Planetarium (50), and Data Analysis (150). Based on their scores, the organizers awarded a total of 170 participants: 50 gold medals, 51 silver medals, 43 bronze medals, and 26 Honorable Mention Awards. Among these, Nepal’s Pratyush Poudel from Pokhara achieved an outstanding performance and received the Honorable Mention Award for Nepal.

Nepal’s 7-member delegation comprised two team leaders—Suresh Bhattarai (Sindhupalchok) and Manisha Dwa (Kaski)—along with five students: Ayush Tiwari (Morang), Osish Niraula (Morang), Pratyush Poudel (Kaski), Asbin Dhakal (Kaski), and Trishav Timilsina (Morang).

This recognition marks a significant achievement for Nepal, highlighting the growing capabilities and presence of Nepali youth in international scientific competitions. Earlier, Pratyush had secured third place in the 12th National Astronomy Olympiad (NAO 2025) held in Nepal, which earned him a spot in the national team for IOAA.

His success at the international level not only reflects his dedication and hard work but also demonstrates the effectiveness of Nepal’s continuous efforts to encourage young scientific talents through the National Astronomy Olympiad program. This accomplishment is expected to inspire more Nepali students in the coming years to pursue astronomy and astrophysics with passion and determination.

We sincerely extend our gratitude to the parents, schools, teachers, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the relevant local governments, District Administration Offices, the National Child Rights Council, and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, whose support has been crucial in enabling the participation of students, including minors, in this program.

For further information regarding the National Astronomy Olympiad program, the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Nepal’s participation and achievements since 2014, please feel free to contact us.

गतिशील मानव सौर्य मण्डल शिक्षक तालिम काठमाडौंमा सफलतापूर्वक सम्पन्न

-काठमाडौं, चैत ५, २०८१

नेपाल एस्ट्रोनोमिकल सोसाइटी (NASO) द्वारा आयोजित गतिशील मानव सौर्य मण्डल शिक्षक तालिम काठमाडौंको नासा कलेज, तिनकुने मा सफलतापूर्वक सम्पन्न भएको छ। नेपाल तथा फ्रान्समा स्थित शिक्षाका लागि खगोल कार्यालयहरुको सहकार्यमाआयोजित यस तालिमले नेपालमा खगोलशास्त्र शिक्षालाई प्रवर्द्धन गर्ने तथा विद्यालय शिक्षामा प्रयोगात्मक सिकाइ विधिहरू समावेश गर्ने लक्ष्य राखेको थियो।

तालिममा बागमती, मधेश र कोशी प्रदेशका १४ विद्यालय तथा संस्थाका २१ शिक्षक तथा शिक्षिकाहरू सहभागी भए। दुई-दिनसम्म चलेको कार्यक्रममा ग्रहहरूको कक्षीय गतिको अध्ययन, अन्तरक्रियात्मक गतिविधिहरू तथा गतिशील मानव सौर्य मण्डल प्रयोग गरेर ग्रहहरूको गति बुझ्ने कार्यशाला समावेश गरिएको थियो।

तालिम तीन जना स्रोत व्यक्तिहरू द्वारा सञ्चालन गरिएको थियो:

• इमानुएल रोलिन्डे, प्रबन्धक, शिक्षाका लागि खगोल कार्यालय, फ्रान्स

• सुरेश भट्टराई, प्रबन्धक, शिक्षाका लागि खगोल कार्यालय, नेपाल

• मनिषा द्वा, उप-प्रबन्धक, शिक्षाका लागि खगोल कार्यालय, नेपाल

कुल २१ सहभागीहरूमध्ये ७ पुरुष र १४ महिला थिए, जसले STEM शिक्षामा महिलाको सशक्त उपस्थिति दर्शाउँछ। कार्यक्रममा विद्यालय शिक्षामा खगोलशास्त्रलाई कसरी समावेश गर्ने, ग्रहहरूको गतिशीलता बुझाउने व्यावहारिक कार्यशालाहरू, तथा शिक्षकहरूलाई गतिशील मानव सौर्य मण्डल निर्माण र प्रयोग गर्ने सीप प्रदान गरिएको थियो।

यस तालिमले शिक्षकहरूलाई नवीनतम शिक्षण प्रविधिहरू अपनाउन प्रेरित गर्ने र विद्यार्थीहरूमा खगोलशास्त्र तथा अन्तरिक्ष विज्ञानप्रति रुचि बढाउने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ।

थप जानकारीको लागि सम्पर्क गर्नुहोस्:

नेपाल एस्ट्रोनोमिकल सोसाइटी (NASO)

P.O. Box 3649, काठमाडौं, नेपाल

📞 +९७७-९८४३७०८२४८

📧 info@naso.org.np

🌐www.naso.org.np