NARIT invites you to follow 10 of the most notable astronomical phenomena. Worth watching in 2024, to keep up with global astronomy trends

National Institute for Astronomical Research (Public Institution) NARIT, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation) invites you to follow 10 astronomical issues worth following in 2024, to keep pace with global astronomy trends. Developing Thai space capabilities

Starting with the most prominent astronomical phenomena throughout the year. Join in following the global astronomy trend as many countries prepare to launch space probes continuously. This year, Thailand will have a new radio telescope for radio astronomy and geodesy research, and is preparing to launch a Thai star observation application called “NAPA” in space technology. The Thai NARIT Cube-1 satellite is expected to be launched and the TSC-1 scientific research satellite is preparing to be unveiled. In addition, we are cooperating with China to advance the lunar exploration project with the Chang'e 7 mission. Technology Development and Advanced Engineering Department Learn about new innovations “Thai-made telescope tracking base for celestial bodies” that will facilitate research data collection. And more accurate and observation of atmospheric science research Participate in solving national problems “Study of PM2.5 dust source” Forward “Thailand Dark Sky Protection Area” Amazing Dark Sky in Thailand invites you to register as a Dark Sky Protection Area. Awakening the trend of astronomy tourism they installed the 5th Regional Public Observatory in Thailand
Construction has begun in Phitsanulok.

Here are 10 astronomical issues worth following in 2024:

1. Important astronomical phenomena

– Near-Full Moon farthest from Earth: The furthest Full Moon of the year (Minor Full Moon) – February 24, 2024 (Macha Boca Day) and the closest Full Moon of the year (Super Full Moon) – October 17, 2024

– Planets close to Earth: Saturn is the closest to Earth in the year – September 8, 2024 and Jupiter is the closest to Earth in the year – December 8, 2024.

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– A star next to the moon and the planets gather throughout the year

2. Follow global astronomy trends in 2024 There are important space exploration missions, including NASA's Artemis 2 mission preparing to return humans to the Moon again after more than 50 years (November 2024), NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter's moon Europa (October 2024), and the MMX rover Spacecraft by JAXA exploring the Martian moon (September 2024) and ESA's Hera spacecraft exploring the Didymos Dimorphos asteroid (October 2024)

3. World-class astronomical infrastructure is preparing for the installation of the Vigos (VGOS) radio telescope network.) with a diameter of 13 meters in Chiang Mai and Songkhla provinces to research geodesy and geology, and to connect networks with other countries.

4. “NAPA” is a stargazing app created by Thai people. From the planetarium software made by Thai people to the starry app on mobile phones, turn your mobile phone into a digital star map and stargazing tool available anywhere, anytime.

5. Progress in the development of Thai space technology Keep an eye on NARIT Cube-1, a Thai CubeSat planned to launch into space in 2024, and unveil TSC-1 with Payload, a scientific research satellite under the Thai Space Cooperation Partnership. It is scheduled to be assembled in the clean room laboratory at Sirindhorn Astronomy Park, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province.

6. Thai-Chinese cooperation in the field of space technology development Developing the capabilities of the Thai people, research and development in the field of deep space exploration technology, and production of equipment to explore the conditions of space between the Earth and the Moon. Measuring cosmic rays and monitoring their impact on the world is scheduled to be installed on the Chang'e 7 spacecraft, and is currently in the joint engineering development stage between the two countries. China plans to send it to explore the moon by 2026.

7. Advanced astronomical engineering and technological development work, and the telescope base for tracking celestial objects with high precision, made by Thai people. Designed and manufactured by Mechatronics Laboratory. The Nareit Observatory Operations and Engineering Center facilitates the study of celestial bodies far from Earth. It relies on the principle of controlling the movement of the telescope to point to the celestial body to be studied with high accuracy. Get accurate, continuous and complete information for research in astronomy.

8. Pursue distinguished work in astronomical research. Nareet joins the study to find the root cause of the PM2.5 dust problem, relying on technology and astronomical knowledge. Solving the air pollution problem in Thailand Research to evaluate the source of PM2.5 dust through type analysis. and the amount of VOCs from biological sources and secondary aerosol tracers for PM2.5 dust in all regions of Thailand. Understand the origin of PM2.5 dust in a clear, relevant and appropriate way according to the context of each region. With a prototype of an Atmospheric LiDAR device designed and manufactured in-house. To detect clusters of particles or dust in the atmosphere

9. The amazing dark skies in Thailand Narit cooperates with relevant partner agencies, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the National Parks Department. Wild fauna and flora Participating sites pay to be Dark Sky Conservation Areas in Thailand Under the “Amazing Dark Skies in Thailand” campaign, places that meet the specified criteria will be registered as Dark Sky Conservation Areas in Thailand. It has received media support and equipment to organize astronomical activities including advertising them in various channels to make it an astronomical tourist attraction for both Thai and foreign tourists. Currently there are 30 national parks, agencies, local communities and the private sector registered as dark sky protected areas for those interested. He would like to propose an area to be registered as a dark-sky protected area. Read more details and download the application form on the Dark Sky Thailand website https://darksky.narit.or.th/

10. Fifth Regional Public Observatory in Thailand: Seventh Birthday Anniversary Observatory, Phitsanulok. The fifth large-scale regional public observatory in Thailand is located on about 30 rai of land within Pipulsongkram Rajabhat University. (Talay Kayu Division) Phitsanulok District Construction begins in 2024. If completed, it will be an important center for learning astronomy in the Upper Central Region. Supporting Academic Services in Astronomy Student astronomy research creates awareness of science and technology as well as being an academic tourism attraction for the community and local area.