Global Astronomy Survey : Iran

First submission : Mohammadhadi Tammadoninezhad [see human resources section] 7 May 2009 This was not approved and a corrected/updated version was provided by the SPoC.

Second Submission : Prof. J. Ghanbari (SPoC) [see human resources section] 9 July 2009

SPoC APPROVAL : Yes

1. Professional (Research) Astronomy:

1. Number of universities offering Astronomy in the Msc. and PhD. Levels in Iran :
   1. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
   2. Shiraz University
   3. Tabriz University
   4. Zanjan University
   5. Tehran University                                                                              
   6. Amir Kabir University
   7. Shahid Beheshti University
   8. Khaje Nasir Towsi University
   9. Sharif  University
   10. Mazandaran University
   11. Shahid Chamran University
   12. Shahid Bahonar University
   13. University of Graduate Studies in Basic Sciences
   14. Birjand University
   15. Isfehan University
   16. Sistan an Balojestan University
   17. Sanandaj University
   18. Damghan University of Basic Sciences
   19. Khayyam University
   20. A few  branches of Azad University

ii.                  Number of universities offering Physics and their names.

iii.                Number of academics who have been trained in Astronomy (ideally with their names and levels of qualification):

We think that it is about 80 academics have been trained in astronomy wiyh PHD level.

iv.                Number of astronomical facilities (observatories, telescopes, etc) and as much detail about each as possible (websites/contact details)

There are more than 15 active observatories in Iran. The largest telescopes are 24” and 20” in diameter and other diameters are 16”, 14”, 12” and … .

v.                  Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Professional Astronomy? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.)

“Phase 2” countries would have existing astronomy research and outreach communities but remain *in need of support* in order to get astronomy well established.

2. Public Understanding of Astronomy:

1. What governmental astronomy/science outreach programmes for the public take place (co-ordinated either by government departments or national facilities)

There have been some TV Programs in our national TVs such as Night Sky program on channel 4. On the other hand some of governmental Universities support astronomical activities and projects.

1. What non-governmental astronomy/science outreach programmes for the public take place (NGO activities or international programmes that your country is involved in)

One of the most important non-governmental programs is Astronomy Society of Iran-Amateur Committee supports for amateur groups. Also there are more than 50 amateur groups in our country that run and manage astronomical activities for people such as sidewalk observation in parks and streets by telescope, training courses, astronomy pictures fair, astronomy books fair and … .

1. Comment on the presence of astronomy in the media (TV, radio, newspapers). Is it very prominent? Are there specific programmes on astronomy? Is the media generally willing to publish news on astronomy?

Yes. We have different comments of astronomy in our media (TV, Radio, and Newspaper) and also they are so prominent. Our national channels publish astronomy news continuously.

1. Comment on the presence of astronomy/science in the general culture of the people. Are there any specific challenges or setbacks? Is astronomy a welcome subject of conversation?

Yes. There are comments on the presence of astronomy in the general culture of the people. Also astronomy is a very good and successful way for contacting different groups of people together.

1. Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Public Understanding of Astronomy? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.)

I rate our country on “Phase 2” remain *in need of support* in order to get astronomy well established.

3. Astronomy in Schools:

1. What governmental astronomy/science education and outreach programmes for schools take place (co-ordinated either by government departments or national facilities)

Supporting Astronomy Olympiad is one the most of governmental activities in astronomy/science education and outreach programmes for schools take place

1. What non-governmental astronomy/science education and outreach programmes for schools take place (NGO activities or international programmes that your country is involved in)

In non-governmental activities, amateur astronomy groups trying to go to schools for training astronomy to students and also these groups invite from schools for participating in astronomy programs such as observing the sky by telescopes.

1. Comment on the presence of astronomy in the school curriculum. Is it part of the school curriculum? Is it very prominent? What age groups?

Unfortunately astronomy is not part of the school curriculum in our country!

1. Comment on the status of astronomy/science in schools. Are there any specific challenges or setbacks? Sufficient number of students studying maths and science? General interest in maths/science/astronomy in schools?

Although astronomy is not part of the school curriculum in our country, but there are so many students that interest in astronomy and studying resources personally.

1. Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Astronomy in Schools? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.)

I rate our country “Phase 3” countries would have a non-existent astronomy community but show *strong potential* in the form of physics/mathematics research and outreach communities who are willing to drive the development of astronomy.

Any other general comments or information that you feel would be useful for this survey?

Since about 15 years, amateur astronomy activities such as training, observing the sky, astrophotography, running ceremonies and so on have been developed in our country. Nowadays there are more than 10000 amateur astronomers, 100 amateur groups, some astronomy TV and Radio programs, one Astronomy magazine (NOJUM) AND … in Iran. We think our astronomers have strong potential and need a serious support by government and international organizations. There are several scientific journals that publish the astronomical papers. The contribution of  academic members of the universities in the foreign scientific journals is very good.