When they were children, they asked Santa Claus to bring them a telescope as a gift, they knew what they would do when they grew up.

The world of the stars is magical and the members of the Student Astronomy Group of the University of Crete know this well.

This year, the group celebrates 20 years of life and invites us to a conference it is organizing on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. at the Physics Department of the Foundation, in Heraklion.

The event starts with 4 talks, with scientific content but also practical issues, such as what a professional astronomer does and the diffusion of astronomy in the world. The speakers will be Andreas Zezas, professor at the Department of Physics, Nikos Mandarakas, PhD student-researcher, Panagiotis Evaggelopoulos (Head of Astronomy Dissemination at the Institute of Astrophysics of the ITE) and Panagiotis Pantzekos, President of SFAK (Association of Friends of Astronomy of Crete), friends, supporters and partners of the Group during these years.

There will be a half-hour break for lunch and immediately afterwards there will be a presentation of the History of the Group, by its members during these 20 years.

Then there will be activities, such as games (board games, quizzes, bingo), painting (for little friends but also for all ages), solar observation and a presentation about astrophotography.

Then, there will be a demonstration of the team’s astronomical equipment (telescopes) and the event will close with stargazing.

At the same time, there will be an exhibition on the history of the group, which will include material from actions, such as photos and posters, as well as texts from past and present members of the group.

astronomical group

20 years they look up

The Group was founded in 2003 by members with an appetite and love for Astronomy. The purpose was the acquisition, exchange and transmission of knowledge. “To share our love for Astronomy, both with each other and with the whole world”, say the team members.

For 20 years, the Group has held weekly meetings, including presentations on astronomical topics, observations with the telescopes (and of course learning to operate them), and other activities, and it doesn’t stop there… Its members visit and collaborate with schools, museums , associations, groups and other bodies, scientific, educational, cultural, student… Its actions include the organization of events, speeches, treasure hunts,

workshops, writing and publishing articles and videos of scientific and educational content, and even making a wish come true for a child who wanted to somehow reach the stars. And of course, countless excursions for observation, from the most public (for the purpose of contact with the public) to the most isolated places (in search of the clearest, least light-polluted skies).

“Our astronomy group is a very pleasant and welcoming environment where students from different departments share our common passion and love for astronomy and astrophysics. I’ve had great times with the kids and our team was and is a fun extracurricular activity that helped me through difficult times and for that I’m grateful!” says Isa Hussain-Bassia.

“The previous semester, starting the University, I had in mind that I wanted to do many things, but certainly one of them was to continue working with astronomy. I had already looked up if there was an astronomy group at the University so I was already suspicious, but when I saw the poster I can’t say I wasn’t excited. So I went to the first meeting that Tuesday, and I met so many people who had the same interests as me and were so passionate about them.

I saw the equipment of the team and I was surprised both myself and the knowledge of the members on it. And that’s how every Wednesday I also learned about various astronomical topics through the efforts of the members. Still, in the few events I’ve attended I’ve had a great time as spreading astronomy around the world is extremely interesting.

But that’s not all, within the team I have met people who I now consider my friends and this is the most important thing for me”, describes Dimitra Armenou.

“In the astronomy group I found friends with enthusiasm for the starry sky and the various ways of observing and admiring it. This experience accompanies and frames my experience as a University student and enables me to develop skills and experiences that I could not have otherwise.

I am grateful for my participation and the knowledge I gained”, says Alexandros Lyhoudis.