SGAC Panama

National Point of Contact

Panama

[Email]

Welcome to SGAC Panama! As in many other countries, the fascination for space is still considered more a recreational activity rather than seen an opportunity for the development in Panama. The Panamanian Association of Amateur Astronomers (APAA) was created in 1983 and is a very important association leading the efforts to increase awareness for space related issues. APAA closely collaborates with universities, national authorities in science and technology, and SGAC. Although there are only a few space-related scientific activities in Panama, The National Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama (SENACYT) has initiated several programmes to financially support projects involving geospatial and spatial technology. With the same effort, the education of young Panamanians in this field is also supported and perceived as an important asset to develop Panama further. If you want to support these activities, we are ready to support you - join us at SGAC!

Currently we have no NPoC for Panama - if you are interested please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

Young Space Activities Overview in Panama

Workshop with Dr Erika Podest, a Panamanian national working at the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratories)

In Panama, many space-related activities are youth oriented. Most of these activities are organised by amateur organisations like APAA and AstroAzuero. The primary goal of these national associations is the promotion astronomy in Panama through lectures addressing members and the general public alike. Scientific observations of astronomical events and outreach activities involving mass media are also frequently used by these groups. Commemorating the International Year of Astronomy last year, the APAA in association with the physics department of the University of Panama organised many space public outreach activities throughout the country. Apart from these mainly public activities, many projects in the geospatial field such as remote sensing, precision agriculture, GPS ship monitoring and many more were supported by the government. Young students had the opportunity to work with experts in these areas during these projects, taking these opportunities to familiarize themselves with and learn about the involved technologies.

For more information, please check out our link section below!

Country-Specific Events in 2010

• Observation of Space activities, Chitre (6 March): Astro Azuero is hosting a series of observation activities for the space enthusiastic. Check out the homepage!

Come back soon – more will be added!

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Panama

Space activities - image (c) by Astro Azureo

Kids in the city of Chitre

Groups, People

National Astronomy Node: http://astronomia2009.org.pa

Panamanian Association of Amateur Astronomers (APAA): http://www.astropanama.org

Astroazuero: http://www.blogastronomia.com/2010/03/08/observacion-en-casa-de-francisco-paz-en-chitre-provincia-de-herrera-republica-de-panama-el-6-de-marzo-de-2010/

Institutions

Department of Physics of the University of Panama: http://www.up.ac.pa

National Bureau of Science, Technology and innovation of Panama (SENACYT): http://www.senacyt.gob.pa

Studies

Degree in Geomatics Engineering at Technological University of Panama: http://www.fic.utp.ac.pa/

Degree in Physics of the University of Panama: www.up.ac.pa

Masters Degree in Geographic Information Systems: www.unachi.ac.pa