STAR-STRUCK

Exactly 100 years have passed since Albert Einstein presented his General Theory of Relativity. Since then, science and astronomy have reached new frontiers, broken age-old myths and came up with new baffling possibilities – although the curiosity and the quest for understanding the cosmos have probably been there since time immemorial.
It is this thirst for knowledge of the worlds and the interest in astronomy that Bangladesh Astronomical Association (BAA) strives to boost. An organisation founded in 1988, it carries out many activities – like star gazing – that encourage scientific thinking and cultivate a curious mind.
One such activity that BAA undertakes is Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad. On January 31, 2015 the competition was held for the 10th time. The Olympiad is a nationwide affair. After an initial screening process that took place in several divisions and districts of the country, the national round was held at National Museum of Science & Technology.   
This year, the competition was held in remembrance of Albert Einstein and the passing of a century of his General Theory of Relativity.
Students from all parts of Bangladesh came to the venue and attended a written test – covering drawing of constellations to queries about comets and various other celestial objects and theories.
The question paper was by no means an easy one; students excelling in this test reflect the enthusiasm and knowledge many youngsters possess about the universe. About 120 students took part in the national round. The test was followed by a lecture on cosmos.
Thirty-three contestants aced the examination – 15 from the senior category and 18 from the junior section. Tahmid Wasif of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology won the first position in the senior group; Md. Farhan Rawnak, a student of Armed Police Battalion Public School and College, Bogra stood first in the junior category.
“We had a highly talented pool of students who are very well-read on the cosmos. It inspires me that there are such bright youngsters throughout the country who are such big astronomy enthusiasts,” Milan Amin, founder, Bangladesh Astronomical Association said. “We are here to give them the right nudge.”
The initiative does not end here. These 33 winners will undergo a rigorous training on astronomy, both theoretical as well as observational. Of them, 18 will be handpicked and sent to compete at international olympiads.
“Our country is still infiltrated with superstitions,” said Imran Habib Rumon, Central Coordinator, Biggan Andolon Mancha. “We need to promote scientific thinking, because minds that are curious, inquisitive and scientific in their opinions and thoughts make up a better society.”
The chief guest of the programme was Swapan Kumar Roy, Director General, National Museum of Science & Technology, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology. The event was held in association with The Daily Star, Biggan Andolon Mancha, Gangaforing and National Museum of Science and Technology. Ekattor TV was the media partner.

PHOTO: REHMAN SOBHAN SONET