Astronomy, a study of the universe with national significance

By Amal Hewavissenti

Universe! The more we find ourselves constantly pondering the question of the universe, the more does it appear strange. Though the concept of the "boundary of the universe" defies all sorts of analysis, universe is definitely meant for a creative and an exploration oriented society.

In stark contrast to the level of knowledge about universe possessed by experts and average people of the developed countries, the amount of knowledge that we, the Sri Lankan people have gained is transparently inadequate. Yet, there is a gradual explosion in the study of astronomy among school students in addition to the particular areas of astronomy introduced into school syllabuses.

The universe itself is a vast treasury of knowledge that is currently being explored with unprecedented enthusiasm fairly because of the very fact that it is limitless and keeps unexplained mysteries. Universe is enormously complex and certain dramatic changes have been identified to occur in it within the forthcoming century.

It is a positive trend that global organisations such as NASA which probe into universe and planets, astronomical associations and specialists of astronomy offer ample chances for enthusiastic youth and school children to know more.

A giant step

The growth of astronomy as a science can be termed a triumphal landmark in human civilisation. In the simplest phraseology, astronomy is the study of objects which are for beyond our own planet - objects such as planets, stars, comets, asteroids, and other things. From the very beginning, man has displayed exclusive liking and enthusiasm for studying universe because he was impressed by phenomenal events such as occurrence of day and night, lunar - eclipses, solar eclipses and star patterns.

Consequently the calendar and the clock which were the direct products made on the concepts of astronomy became part and parcel of ordinary life. Both the products were based on the division of time that earth takes to rotate around the sun and itself. However, astronomy developed by leaps and bounds since Galileo Galilei used his own telescope and made astonishing observations about galaxies and the universe as a whole.

The rocket technology which is a branch of applied astronomy has produced space crafts, satellites and has thereby developed telephone, communication media and other facilities. Therefore the discoveries and inventions of astronomy promote not only further progress of the science itself but also the living conditions of the ordinary people. Thus, astronomy developed by the theories formulated by Newton, Kepler or Albert Einstein (Relativity) has achieved maturity as a science at present.

The science is further helping us to recognise the true nature of stars and objects light years for away from the earth and to produce latest technological creations.

Olympiad competition

The Ministry of Education in partnership with the Faculty of Physics at the University of Colombo annually organises a special competition for school children in Sri Lanka. The National Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad Competition" primarily aims to promote Sri Lan++kan students' enthusiasm to study astronomy and raise their awareness about the latest advancements in astronomy and discoveries about the universe.

The National Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad competition is rather a competitive examination which is held at universities such as the university of Peradeniya, the University of Colombo, the University of Kelaniya, the University of Jaffna, the University of Ruhuna and the University of Batticaloa etc.

The five students with the best performance at the examination are qualified to take part in the "International Astronomy and Astro Physics Olympiad Competition". The students selected at the examination are assessed and awarded certificates and medals.

Prior to their participation at the international examination, the select students are provided with a complete training in theoretical and applied astronomy at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute of the Modern Technology and the Faculty of Physics at the University of Colombo.

The students with the highest performance at the national Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad Competition held for the first time in 2007 took part in the international Astronomys and Astrophysics Olympiad Competition held in the same year in Thailand.

Sri Lankan students won honours at the international competitions held in Thailand in 2007, in Indonesia in 2008, in Iran in 2009 and in China in 2010. These students were appreciated at national level as they had competed with the best students from best countries at the international level.

However, the Sri Lankan students' praiseworthy performance at these international competitive examinations is ascribed to their enthusiasm in the study of astronomy.

Such examinations as these inevitably equip students with the latest knowledge and prepares them for the level of performance which will earn gold medals for Sri Lanka.

Under these circumstances, knowledge testing competitions and educative workshops on astronomy have already been popular among Sri Lankan students. The student performance at these examinations speaks volumes for the quality of education in Sri Lanka and mirrors interest in Sri Lankan students for astronomy and discoveries of various aspects of the universe.

Sri Lankan astronomers

The most celebrated astronomer of Sri Lanka is Sir Arthur C. Clarke who is generally regarded as the father of modern Satellite technology. He was an internationally acclaimed scientist who impressed people with his scientific imagination, creativity and effortless gift for writing.

His famous article "Wireless world" generated the concept of a satellite and his science fictions are immensely popular even among average readers. Born a Britisher, he was a true Sri Lankan and earned global fame for Sri Lanka.

Prof. Cyril Ponnamperuma is yet another renowned astronomer in the country. He was involved in J.D. Bernal's epoch making research on the origin of life.

In 1963, he joined the NASA and was the first Sri Lankan to join the Apollo Space explorations. Furthermore, he participated in the space operations of Voyager and Viking. He was the first director of Arthur C. Clarke Institute and shared his knowledge with the experts from America, China, Russia and Japan.

Dr. Sarath Gunapala is currently working in NASA and acts as the head research astronomer in Jet Propulsion Laboratory that is affiliated to NASA. He produced a receptor of infrared radiation which gave him the golden opportunity to join NASA. He contributed much to the medicine and astronomy.Astronomy is definitely a worthwhile study for a country like Sri Lanka. A broader knowledge of astronomy will enable research oriented people to offer their best contribution for the country.