Collaborations and other astronomical outreach activities

Following are links to institutions that the Blaauw Observatory collaborates with or that are related to astronomy (in alphabetical order).

GVWS

The Blaauw Observatory regularly cooperates with the Groninger Vereniging voor Weer- en Sterrenkunde (GVWS) [Groningen Association for Weather and Astronomy (GVWS)]. The GVWS organizes activities on various matters related to weather and astronomy, such as lectures, astronomy courses for adults, and stargazing days.

IMC Weekend school

The IMC Weekend School introduces curious youngsters to enthusiastic professionals and their diverse fields. On Sundays, children (aged 10 to 13) are taught about different professions. Guest teachers let the youngsters actively experience what their profession entails. For example, pupils learn pleading from lawyers and suturing from surgeons.

Lessons are designed to create stimulating, magical moments that stick as experiences and broaden horizons. The weekend school challenges its pupils to push their boundaries, look further, dare and do more. We also work on competences such as cooperation, presentation, and citizenship.

In 1998, the first IMC Weekend School opened its doors in Amsterdam Zuidoost and there are currently 10 IMC Weekend Schools, including one in Groningen.

JWG

The JWG (Youth Working Group for Astronomy) is the astronomy society for young people aged 8 to 21 who are interested in astronomy. The JWG has regional branches all over the country that regularly organize fun astronomical activities. Of course, they also get together for fun.

Check out more information about the JWG here.

Observatory Ulrum

Observatory Ulrum is a one-man observatory that makes regular contributions to the Blaauw Observatory's public events. The observatory was built single-handedly by Aries van Calcar, former sea captain and chairman of the GVWS. The conditions for observing stars are ideal in Ulrum as there is no disturbing ambient light there.

Observatory Ulrum is open during national stargazing evenings, provides lectures on weather and astronomy, and also offers the opportunity to come, by appointment, to look at stars through a telescope on a clear night. The observatory is located at: Elensterweg 26 in Ulrum.