Iranian Astronomy Marathon Held for IYA 2009
Dear Friends,
The third Sufi Observing Competition was held in the ancient site
of Pasargadae last night in celebrating IYA 2009.
This competition based on Marathon + , but with some changes in time
and list of objects. The name of this competition came after Abdo
Rahman Sufi Razi, Persian great astronomer and sky observer in about
1000 years ago, who wrote the great book “Book of Fixed Stars” and in
that book, listed few non stellar objects such as M31, Magellan Clouds
and 7 other objects as “Nebula” for the first time. He worked at
Shiraz ancient observatory and had long trips to observed sky from
different places.
In the 3rd Sufi Competition 116 astronomers (46 girls and 70 Boys)
gathered from all across the country in Pasargadae palace to hold the
competition.
After one day workshop about opportunities in front of amateur
astronomers , the competition was started near the tomb of The Cyrus
the great. And competitors observed list of 150 non stellar objects
and after the jury team accept their observation they went to the
next object.
After on great night observing in 2 class of teams and personal
competitors the winners were announced.
The closing ceremony was hold at Persepolis palace with the Sound and
the Light show and the winners get their awards.
Beside the competition, SUFI present its lifetime achievement in
astronomy prize to professor Riazi who played a great role in modern
astronomy of Iran.
ASIAC hope to hold the next year competition as an international scale
in association with AWB.
All of the observers from all around the world are welcome .
I will send you more photos and report soon.
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Pouria Nazemi
Science Journalist
Jam-e-Jam Daily Newspaper Science Editor
Nojum (Persian Astronomy) website news adviser.(www.nojum.ir)
Iranian Astronomy Society - Amateur Committee
Astronomers Without Borders - West Asia RC
Tel: Office +98 (21) 2222 25 11/ Science service
Mobile 912 240 48 59
P.O.Box: 16535-479