04 September 2012

AWB: New Programs Starting Late August / Early September 2012

AWB: New Programs Starting Late August / Early September 2012



Three Exciting New Programs That You Can Help
From schools on a mountain in Tanzania to schoolchildren in Afghanistan to Earth orbit - here are three exciting new AWB programs that can make a difference that need your support!

SkyCube: The First Satellite Launched by You!

Astronomers Without Borders is partnering with Southern Skies, developers of the popular SkySafari apps for Apple and Android devices, to put a new satellite into orbit. A nanosatellite whose "owners" contribute as little as one dollar, SkyCube will allow its thousands of supporters to send messages from space and take images looking back at Earth. Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) member programs will use the satellite's unique capabilities, including its high visibility when it inflates a reflective balloon near the end of its mission. Southern Skies will in turn donate up to 50% of proceeds from SkyCube donations made through Astronomers Without Borders back to AWB global programs.

Reach for the Stars - Afghanistan

A new Astronomers Without Borders project, Reach for the Stars - Afghanistan, has launched with the goal of establishing the first astronomy curriculum for young children in Afghanistan. Created in collaboration with the Astronomical Association of Afghanistan, Reach for the Starts - Afghanistan will be based on Afghan culture, the countries rich heritage of Islamic astronomy, and modern science. Schools, orphanages and refugee camps in and around Kabul will also receive scarce educational resources to be used in the programs. Supporters are needed to bring the stars and science to the children of Afghanistan.

Telescopes to Tanzania

Telescopes to Tanzania (TtT), a successful program that brings scarce educational resources to one of the world's poorest countries, is now under the aegis of Astronomers Without Borders. TtT is expanding the educational capacity of the teachers and schools of a country where a lack of basic resources means stronomy is taught without telescopes, chemistry without labs, geography without maps. In the fall of 2012, TtT will expand its program with training sessions for 80 secondary and elementary teachers in the use of basic science equipment donated by the program, impacting the education of thousands of students.

Telescopes to Tanzania needs supporters to make this dream come true for as many teachers and students as possible. The costs in Tanzania are very low by western standards, but far beyond what Tanzanians can afford.

2012 THE Year of Meteors!

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