Opening the door of knowledge at Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center

Students participate in astronomy STEM activities as part of Community Astronomy Week.

In Gia Lai, the Quy Nhon Center for Scientific Discovery and Innovation (referred to as the Center) has been affirming its pioneering role in bringing astronomy closer to the community, contributing to spreading knowledge, arousing passion and promoting the development of science and technology in the locality.

Bringing science closer to the public

With the mission of “bringing science to everyone”, Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center has built a diverse ecosystem of scientific experiences, in which astronomy is one of the key areas. Not only is it a place for in-depth research, the Center is also an ideal destination for tourists, students and people who love to explore the universe.

In early 2024, the Center organized a public talk with the theme "Extraterrestrial life: Existence or not?" presented by Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Chi Thiem - a Vietnamese scientist working at the Korea Institute of Space Science and Astronomy. The talk not only provided in-depth knowledge about the formation of life in the universe, but also aroused curiosity and stimulated the exploration thinking of hundreds of young people attending. This is a clear demonstration of the close and attractive scientific approach that the Center is pursuing.

Members of the national amateur astronomy club interact at the Science Discovery Center.

One of the outstanding activities at the Center is the “Night Journey” program, an astronomy experience tour held periodically on weekend evenings. Since mid-March 2024, the program has attracted thousands of visitors, becoming a highlight in the night tourism activities of Quy Nhon city.

The journey begins at the “Space Gate” model, where light and sound blend to create a magical space, leading visitors into the world of stars. Here, visitors can choose to explore the main building with science shows, themed films, interactive games; or experience the observatory with an exhibition area of astronomy history, learn about the night sky and observe celestial bodies with modern telescopes.

The highlight of the observatory is the PlaneWave CDK600 telescope - a specialized observation device with a viewing diameter of up to 600mm. Thanks to that, viewers can clearly admire constellations, the Moon, planets and other celestial bodies. In addition, the Center is also equipped with many popular optical observation tools, serving the experience needs of all subjects.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Gia Lai province, said: “We expect the night discovery tour to optimize visitors’ free time, bringing new and unique night experiences that can only be found in Quy Nhon. These are activities that have great influence, attracting the attention of young people, scientists and the community. More importantly, it creates an open scientific space where everyone can access knowledge in an equal and inspiring way.”

Bridging science and community

In addition to regular activities, the Center also organizes a series of large events called “Community Astronomy Week”, an annual activity on a national and international scale. In 2024 and 2025, the event attracted the participation of thousands of people, including scientists, astrophotographers, students and astronomy clubs from all over the country.

Community Astronomy Week includes an exhibition of astronomical images, talks, STEM activities, expert interactions and hands-on experiences at the observatory. Through the event, the public not only has access to in-depth knowledge but is also inspired, aroused passion and career orientation in the field of space science.

In particular, the event contributed to the formation of the "National Amateur Astronomy Network" to connect astronomy lovers, support each other in learning, research and spread knowledge to all regions.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Director of Quy Nhon Center for Scientific Discovery and Innovation, said that in parallel with scientific dissemination activities, the Center also focuses on professional training for staff and students. Through classes, training courses and cooperation programs with units such as SAGI group (ICISE), Tay Nguyen University, Nha Trang Observatory, etc., the Center has gradually built a team of highly qualified experts, professional equipment operation skills and the ability to effectively convey knowledge.

Thanks to that, the Center has increasingly affirmed its position as a prestigious address in in-depth astronomical research, and at the same time is an indispensable destination for tourists when coming to Quy Nhon. In the near future, the Center plans to open more specialized astronomy classes for students and the public in need, contributing to building high-quality human resources for the field of science and technology.

The astronomy history exhibition space at Quy Nhon Observatory attracts a large number of visitors.

With initial successes and available potential, Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center is gradually realizing its strategic mission: building a Center for Research and Application of Space Science and Technology according to the orientation of developing space science and technology in Vietnam by 2030.

This is one of the important contents in the Planning of Binh Dinh Province (formerly) for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. The implementation of the project not only contributes to improving the local scientific research capacity, but also creates conditions for Gia Lai province to become a science and technology center of the Central Highlands region.

Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center is gradually asserting its role as a bridge between science and the community, especially in the field of astronomy. With a close, creative and effective approach, the Center has contributed to spreading knowledge, arousing passion and promoting the development of science and technology in the locality.

In the context of the country promoting digital transformation and developing a knowledge-based economy, models like the Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center are evidence of innovative thinking and creativity in the way of doing science. It is also an affirmation that science is not only for laboratories, but also an inspiring journey of discovery for everyone.

LUONG TUNG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/mo-ra-canh-cua-tri-thuc-tai-trung-tam-kham-pha-khoa-hoc-quy-nhon-post917169.html