About Bangladesh Astronomical Association

Bangladesh Astronomical Association is an association for young and amateur astronomers. It was first established in 1988. The activities of this Association till 2012 are given below

1. The publication of Mohakash Barta, the first national bi-monthly magazine on space science and astronomy.
2. The publication of an international journal – The Bangladesh Journal of Astronomical Research.
3. The publication of a monthly observation bulletin Sky observers' bulletin.
4. Arranging 3 months long National Space Workshops. 25th of the Workshops have been arranged so far.
5. Seminars on Astronomy.
6. The publication of books on Astronomy written by Professor Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, the pioneer of Astronomy in Bangladesh:
   1. Akash Pat
   2. Tara-Parichiti
   3. Prachin Jatirviddya
7. Science Quiz Competitions
8. Award of the ‘Bruno-Padak’ prize for distinguished contribution in popularising Astronomy. Starting from 1990, 3 of this Padak, with 2 years interval, have already been awarded to renowned amateur astronomers and astrophysicists. They are Prof. M.A. Jabber (1990), Prof. A.R.Khan (1992) and Prof J.N.Islam (1994).
9. Broadcasting of programs on Space Science, Technology and Astronomy on Bangladesh TV.
10. Founding a library and information centre named 'Meghnad Shaha Science Information Centre and Library’.
11. Observing the sky through telescope. In this regard the Association runs a sky observation camp every Friday from sunset to 8-30 p.m. at Dhanmondi Club Playground, Road -8, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1205.
12. In 1996 BAA organized 4 day long space festival for the first time – BEXIMCOSPACEFEST’96, the campus of BUET was the venue. Subsequently in 1999 & 2003, on their own accord, BAA organized second and there'd SPACEFEST.
13. Making successfully a portable planetarium, using local instruments, which is the first in our country.
14. BAA simultaneously arranged for observation of the brightest comet the Hell-Bopp in fifteen separate districts throughout Bangladesh.
15. To see the first sun of the new millennium, BAA arranged for a trip SUNFEST2001 to Saint Martin's Island, a coral island in the Bay of Bengal. Subsequently in 2002 - 2012, BAA organized SUNFEST in Sunderban, Kaeokradong, Nijum Dip, Panchagore, Durgapur, Pablakhali, Sherpur, Chor Kukri Mukri & Khagrachori.
16. In 2002 BAA organized daylong science festival for the first time - SCIENCE FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN. Where children will be engaged in model making; Glider, Airplane, Challenger, Pinhole Camera, Kaleidoscope, Periscope, and Kites these are the subjects they may explore. The Kalabagan club playground was the venue. Subsequently in 2003, BAA organized second - SCIENCE FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN in co-operation with National Science Museum, Dhaka.
17. Mars Observation Camp 2003, From August 26 to September 5, 2003. Eighteen locations all over the Bangladesh.
18. These activities have influenced people of different levels. Many of them have become our members and we are still getting new membership applications.

Preliminary work for setting up a permanent ‘Space Centre’ that is a centre for space based activities which will be include the following–

1. Planetarium
2. Observatory
3. Exhibition room
4. Library and information centre
5. Seminar room
6. National Space Science Workshop
7. Publicity and Publication section
8. Office and administration section.