UP NISMED Observatory

The UP Diliman Information Office (UPDIO) identified the UP NISMED Observatory as a key facility to be featured in the University of the Philippines Institutional Video Project (UP IVP), recognizing its role in reflecting the University's principles, traditions, and contributions to education and research. As part of the project, the UP Media and Public Relations Office (MPRO), in coordination with UPDIO, conducted filming activities on 28 May 2025 at the observatory to capture visual materials showcasing the institute’s facilities and contributions to science and mathematics education. The footage gathered formed part of the UP IVP’s multimedia outputs intended for information, engagement, and promotional purposes for local and international audiences. The completed institutional video was published on the official University of the Philippines page on 18 June 2026 as part of the University's 118th Foundation Anniversary celebration.

The UP NISMED Stargazing Program collaborated with the UP NISMED Library in conducting a series of outreach activities that integrated storytelling and astronomy-based learning experiences for young learners. The activities were designed to support science literacy, listening skills, imagination, and self-expression through engaging learning experiences that combined reading, storytelling, and direct observation of astronomical objects.

On 27 November 2025, in celebration of Araw ng Pagbasa and Library and Information Services Month, the UP NISMED Library, together with the UP NISMED Stargazing Team and the Quezon City Public Library Pook Amorsolo Branch, conducted an outreach activity for 50 Day Care students at Barangay UP Campus. On 23 February 2026, the UP NISMED Library conducted a similar activity for 132 pupils of Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School. The UP NISMED Library also conducted an outreach activity on 17 December 2025 at Dagohoy Library in Barangay UP Campus in collaboration with the Quezon City Public Library Pook Amorsolo Branch, engaging approximately 30 children and community members in literacy- and science-related learning activities.

Activities conducted during these outreach programs included the storytelling of The Hidden Sun, safe solar observation using a properly equipped telescope, an eclipse demonstration, a post-story quiz, gift-giving activities, and the donation of science and mathematics books and learning materials. Participants listened to stories, observed the Sun through a telescope, and engaged in learning experiences that connected literacy and science. Through these outreach activities, the UP NISMED Library provided opportunities for children to explore basic astronomy concepts while developing interest in reading and learning.

As part of their internship at UP NISMED, five (5) computer science students from UP Diliman participated in an interactive science tour that introduced them to some of the institute's educational facilities and learning activities.

The interns explored the UP NISMED Observatory, where they learned about the operation of the institute's 16-inch reflecting telescope and observed the Sun through a solar projection setup. Discussions on solar activity, magnetic fields, and observational astronomy showed how hands-on activities can support the understanding of scientific concepts.

The group also visited the Earth Science Laboratory and learned about the earthquake simulator, a low-cost programmable device designed to visualize seismic activity and its effects. During the demonstration, the simulator recreated the motion of an actual earthquake using recorded seismic data. The activity sparked conversations on disaster preparedness, public education, and how emerging technologies may further enhance science learning.

To conclude the tour, the interns participated in a hot-air balloon experiment using simple and readily available materials. The activity demonstrated how heated air rises and illustrated fundamental concepts in atmospheric science, highlighting the value of hands-on investigations in science education.

Reflecting on the experience, the interns recognized the important role of interactive learning, experimentation, and innovation in making science more accessible and meaningful. They also saw opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in applying computer science to support and enhance educational tools and systems.

"No matter how busy life gets, the universe always finds a way to slow you down. This is a beautiful twilight view of the moon, Jupiter, and Venus in conjunction, overlooking the coastline of Mulanay, Quezon --- a perfect scene to end the day."

Shot taken at a local resto-cafe viewing deck in Mulanay at 6:53 PM [17 June 2026] using a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra; cropped to highlight the moon-planet conjunction.

Photo and caption by Jed Africa.

Conjunction of Venus, the Moon, Jupiter, and Mercury (hiding behind the clouds)
📍 UP Diliman, Quezon City
🕗 17 June 2026, 7:06 pm

On 10 June 2026, the UP NISMED High School Earth Science Group welcomed 25 participants composed of student youth, members of the Valenzuela City League of Astronomy Enthusiasts (V-CLUE), and their event partners as part of Project TALA (Teaching Astronomy to Local Audience).

The participants explored the three major components of Earth and Space Science—astronomy, meteorology, and geology—through a series of hands-on learning activities.

As part of the astronomy component, participants attended a Telescope Workshop where they learned about the basic parts and functions of a telescope, including the tripod, equatorial mount, optical tube assembly, focuser, and finderscope. They also distinguished between reflector and refractor telescopes and gained experience in their assembly and operation.

For meteorology, participants learned how breezes, monsoons, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) form due to the rising of warm air. These concepts were reinforced through a hot air balloon activity that demonstrated the behavior of heated air.

The geology component featured demonstrations on seiche using a low-cost programmable earthquake simulator co-developed by UP NISMED and the UP Resilience Institute in 2024, highlighting how earthquakes can generate oscillations in enclosed bodies of water.

The visit concluded with a tour of the UP NISMED Observatory, where participants learned about the operation of the 40-cm UP NISMED Telescope and conducted solar observations by tracing sunspots through the solar projection method, emphasizing safe solar observing practices.

This activity forms part of the UP NISMED Stargazing Program's astronomy education initiatives, which provide observatory visitors with opportunities to experience scientific equipment and facilities not normally accessible to the public. Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper appreciation of astronomy and the role of scientific instruments in understanding our world and the universe.

Through activities such as these, UP NISMED continues to promote astronomy, Earth science, disaster awareness, and STEM literacy among Filipino youth.

Ten (10) pre-service teachers from the Philippine Normal University Manila participated in a Telescope Workshop conducted by the High School Earth Science Group of the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED) on 08 June 2026.

The workshop introduced participants to the two major types of optical telescopes: refracting and reflecting telescopes. They also learned about the fundamental components of a telescope and their functions, including the tripod, mount, optical tube assembly (OTA), finder scope, focuser, and eyepieces. Participants were given an overview of telescope setup, alignment, and operation, including the basic principles and operation of an equatorial mount for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky due to Earth's rotation.

Following the workshop, the participants visited the UP NISMED Observatory, where they conducted a solar observation activity using the solar projection method. They observed and recorded sunspots by drawing the projected image of the Sun on paper, providing them with hands-on experience in safe solar observing techniques.

In addition to astronomy-related activities, the participants were introduced to inquiry-based Earth science learning activities. A demonstration using a hot-air balloon setup was conducted to illustrate the concepts of local breezes, monsoons, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The participants also had the opportunity to examine a meteorite sample and learn about its significance in the study of planetary science and the solar system.

The activity provided future science educators with opportunities to strengthen their content knowledge in astronomy and Earth science while experiencing inquiry-based approaches that can be applied in science teaching and learning.

This workshop forms part of the UP NISMED Stargazing Program in support of the Institute’s STEM Immersion activities. Through such engagements, the program continues to promote astronomy and space science education while providing meaningful learning experiences for pre-service teachers and students participating in STEM enrichment activities.

On 22 May 2026, the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED) conducted the 6th Telescope Workshop for Educators for participants from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Muntinlupa City.

The workshop was attended by 17 participants, consisting of 16 teachers from five schools and one Education Program Supervisor. The participating schools were Lakeview Integrated School, Muntinlupa Business High School–Main, Muntinlupa Business High School–Sucat Annex, Muntinlupa Science High School, and Tunasan National High School.

The training provided participants with both theoretical and practical instruction on telescope operation. Participants were introduced to the various components of telescopes and were guided through the proper assembly and use of the units issued to their schools by the Department of Education. As many participants were using their telescopes for the first time, several technical issues were encountered, including missing and neglected components. These concerns were promptly addressed by the facilitators, ensuring the smooth continuation of the workshop activities.

In the evening, the participants used the NISMED observatory’s 16-inch reflecting telescope to observe several prominent celestial objects such as the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter together with its Galilean moons.

The Telescope Workshop for Educators forms part of the UP NISMED Stargazing Program, which seeks to strengthen astronomy education in the Philippines by enhancing teachers’ competencies in telescope operation and observational astronomy. Through capacity-building initiatives such as this, the program supports the effective integration of astronomy into classroom instruction and expands opportunities for meaningful engagement with the sciences.

Hey June, don’t make it bad…🎶

Watch out for these astronomical events this month:

9 June (Tue): Venus and Jupiter will be seen close to each other as they set in the west at around 7:30 p.m.

10 June (Wed): The Moon and Saturn will be seen close to each other as they rise in the east at around 2:00 a.m.

13 June (Sat): The Moon and Mars will be seen close to each other as they rise in the east at around 4:00 a.m.

17 June (Wed): The Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury will be seen close to each other as they set in the west at around 7:00 p.m.

21 June (Sun): The northern hemisphere will have its longest day, which also marks the start of its summer. Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere will have its shortest day, which also marks the start of its winter.

30 June (Tue): The Moon will reach its full phase and will be seen as it sets in the west at around 4:30 a.m and rises in the east at around 7:30 p.m.




Notes:
Images 2 to 6 are generated using Stellarium. Sky objects in these images may appear bigger than in real life.

This astrocalendar was made by our former intern KC Ang of Saint Pedro Poveda College.

Alignment of the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus
📍 UP Diliman, Quezon City
🕗 22 May 2026, 6:50 pm