Report

Kutaisi Cover copy

On August 7, 2020, with the funding of #SRNSFG - Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, organized by the Georgian Astronomy Club, an Astronomy Festival was held at Ramaz Shengelia Football Stadium, Kutaisi, Georgia.

Astronomical Festival "Astrofest - 2020" is a public event that includes popular lectures and telescope observations of celestial bodies (Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, constellations). The event is also sponsored by the official partner of #Celestron in Caucasus - #Planetarium. The event has no age restrictions and is completely free!

The Astronomy Club offered its telescopes to the attendees, though some brought their own optics. This is a good opportunity for those who want to practice the use of their telescope or binoculars properly, study the basics of Astrophotography and learn about astronomical educational materials available in Georgian. 

The event started at 19.00 and lasted till 23.00. From 19.00 to 20.30 observation of the Sun took place. Organizers have explained to the participants the specific methods of solar observation, including astrophotography and safety methods. Research scientists at E. Kharadze Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, Professor Maia Todua discussed the physical nature of our star and answered questions from the attendees.

Several lectures were given at the event by: 1. Research scientists at E. Kharadze Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, Professor Maia Todua – “About Exoplanets”. 2. Nikusha Tskitishvili - "From Stars to Black Holes" (GAC); 3. Luka Khutiashvili - "Modern Astronomy and Infinite Development" (GAC); and 4. Alexander Art-Dvali "Precession Visualization" (GAC). The laser show of the constellations was led by young astrophysicist Nikusha Tskitishvili. A survey of children was conducted, the distinguished ones received souvenirs from the GeoAstroClub. 

Later the telescope observations of the planets took place using: 1. Celestron - NexStar 127SLT computerized telescope of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design and 2. Refractor telescope Celestron 21064 AstroMaster 90 EQ. Attendees have observed Jupiter and its four Galilean moons, and the ringed planet Saturn. They were able to photograph celestial objects from a telescope using mobile phones.

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