The topic of science popularization remains a constant in public debate and retains its relevance regardless of changing circumstances. It resurfaced during the September 42nd Congress of the Polish Astronomical Society (PTA), in a session dedicated to promoting astronomy and related sciences.
Growing market demands increasingly call for engineers and specialists beyond the IT sector. The session highlighted initiatives aimed at a wide audience—from children and teenagers to university students—based on the principle that science popularization should cover all stages of education.
One highlighted program came from the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), built around the participation of Polish astronaut Sławosz Uzniański-Wiśniewski in an international space mission. His career path provided a starting point for engaging young people in science in a way that sparks interest and encourages independent exploration.
POLSA
Educational activities at the Ignis mission
The session also showcased activities by local observatories in Chorzów, Niepołomice, Kraków, and Toruń. These observatories host sky shows, workshops, popular science meetings, and practical projects for students. They bring astronomy to local communities, often reaching areas where access to major scientific institutions remains limited.
A key part of popularization involves competitions, hands-on projects, and school initiatives that let students perform their own observations and experiments—from analyzing photos and measuring optical phenomena to working with radio data. This approach develops digital and analytical skills, teaches collaboration, and demonstrates that astronomy goes beyond passively looking at the sky.
Planetarium – Chorzów
Centenary of Planetariums and 70 Years of the Silesian Planetarium
Youth Astronomical Observatory in Niepołomice
ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station), or a chat with an astronaut
Jagiellonian University Astronomical Observatory, “Astrolabe” Astronomy Competition and Other Aspects of Astronomy Education
Nicolaus Copernicus University Observatory
Space in Piwnice
Another important topic discussed during the panel was light pollution, which impacts not only aesthetics but also environmental, social, and economic aspects. Its consequences include disruptions to circadian rhythms in humans and animals, reduced ecosystem quality, unnecessary energy consumption, and limitations on astronomical observations.
Protecting dark skies has already become part of European environmental strategies. Many educational initiatives now encourage monitoring night sky quality locally and involve youth in civic actions to protect the environment.
POLARIS Association – OPP
Polish Astronomical Society
Today, popularizing astronomy requires collaboration across multiple sectors: government institutions, observatories, schools, universities, NGOs, and scientists. This combined effort makes knowledge about space accessible to everyone, regardless of age, location, or prior familiarity with the subject.
Importantly, all the initiatives highlighted at the session remain active and continue to grow. Their diversity and the increasing interest of participants demonstrate both the strong need for this type of activity and the wide range of communities ready to support it.
