More than 300 space enthusiasts are set to take part in a first-of-its-kind astronomy festival that aims to shed light on the cosmos.
The Bahrain Astronomy Festival will be held today at the Muharraq Model Youth Centre from 10am to 10pm, and feature interactive workshops, photo exhibitions and virtual reality experiences.
There will be up to 15 stalls for visitors to engage with, including a planetarium, an ‘astro shop’, ‘space-freeze’, ‘stellar quest’ and astrophotography, each of which will highlight celestial objects and mysterious phenomena in the universe that have captivated human imagination for centuries.
The one-day event is also poised to feature the club’s first-ever Virtual Reality (VR) experience that will showcase a space travel journey.
There will be a 20-minute solar system show, telescope building workshop, photo exhibition showcasing professional astronomical shots and a cosmic ‘lab’ highlighting seven space-related experiments.
Children can also enjoy face painting and join an ‘astro games’ station.
The festival is being organised by Bahrain Stargazers Astronomy Club, in collaboration with the Youth Affairs Ministry, Bahrain Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union.
“Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the wonders of the universe and our shared connection with the stars,” Bahrain Stargazers Astronomy Club president and founder Myriam Alqassab told the GDN.
Ms Alqassab
Club members have also created cosmic-themed crafts including key chains and bookmarks, which will be sold at stalls within the festival.
There will be a question-and-answer session for curious minds as well as a roundtable discussion to educate and engage audience members of all ages. Confirmed participants in these sessions include Ms Alqassab, Bahrain Astronomical Society board of directors chairman Dr Shawqi Aldalal and board member Dr Khalil Ebrahim.
Dr Ebrahim
“Astronomy communication isn’t just about sharing knowledge, it’s about igniting curiosity, building connections and reminding us all that the universe is a story we share, and astronomy is a science accessible to everyone,” said Ms Alqassab.
Approximately 36 volunteers have come together to make the festival a success and provide an interactive learning experience.
Interested attendees can purchase an entrance ticket for BD1 at the gate, with no previous registration required.
Funds raised will go towards the club’s ongoing astronomy activities, which include school outreach sessions and stargazing events.
The club, set up eight years ago, is also hoping to expand the festival in the coming years.
According to Ms Alqassab, astronomy is meant for everyone, and festival organisers are hoping to create a space where everyone is welcome to come together and learn about the stars.
&uuid=(email))