Sky lovers met in Uludağ! – ShiftDelete.Net

Astronomy enthusiasts from all over Turkey came together at Kirazlı Plateau at the foothills of Bursa Uludağ for the 26th TÜBİTAK Sky Observation Event this year. A record number of applications were made to participate in the event. A total of 14 thousand 506 people from 81 provinces applied to participate in the event. As a result of the draw, 1047 lucky astronomy enthusiasts had the opportunity to explore the sky in the unique atmosphere of Uludağ.

Sky event with record participation from TÜBİTAK

In his speech at the opening of the event, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that this intense interest was a source of pride for them. Minister Kacır emphasized that the event is now organized with wider participation all over Anatolia, in line with the vision of the National Technology Move. Stating that the regions with minimum air and light pollution were carefully selected, Kacır stated that Bursa Uludağ’s Kirazlı Plateau was an ideal observation point for this year’s event.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to examine the sky not only with the naked eye but also with special filtered telescopes. While solar observations were made during the day, galaxies, star clusters and many other celestial objects were observed in detail at night.

In the event area equipped with 39 telescopes, participants had the opportunity to work in a sky laboratory. The planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Uranus and our satellite Moon were examined closely through telescopes. The passage of the International Space Station was followed with great excitement by the participants.

The scientific aspect of the event was also very rich. Scientists who are experts in their fields made presentations to the participants on different topics such as exoplanets, satellite technologies, asteroids and star occultations. Thanks to these presentations, participants had the chance to learn detailed information about the latest developments and discoveries in the field of astronomy.

One of the most striking moments of the event was the meeting of Turkey’s first astronauts Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever with the participants. Gezeravcı and Atasever shared their experiences in space with young people and inspired them. Addressing the youth in his speech, Minister Kacır emphasized that the successes of names such as Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever are an important motivation for young people to push the limits of their dreams.

Minister Kacır also touched upon Turkey’s work in the field of space. He stated that in line with the vision of the National Technology Move, Turkey aims to utilize the opportunities offered by space at the highest level. He stated that great importance is attached to space studies to ensure Turkey’s technological independence and protect its rights and interests in space. He proudly stated that an important infrastructure has been created in the field of space science and technologies in recent years and that Turkey is now carrying its science and technology breakthroughs into space.

Kacır reminded that İMECE, an earth observation satellite with sub-meter resolution developed and produced by Turkey, was placed into orbit last year. He stated that the İMECE satellite obtains high-resolution images from all over the world without geographical restrictions and takes Turkey’s competence in the field of satellite technologies one step further.

He also stated that Turkey developed its domestic and national communications satellite TÜRKSAT 6A with the work of its own engineers and that it is among the leading countries in the world in this field. He also gave the good news that Turkey will send a spacecraft to the Moon within the scope of the “Moon Program” and establish a spaceport with international cooperation.

One of the most emotional moments of the event was when 71-year-old Necla Balgat experienced the excitement of observing the sky for the first time. Minister Kacır invited Balgat to the stage and chatted with him, expressing his belief that this experience would be an unforgettable memory for him.