The Sułkowice-Bolęcina Local-Government School Complex (based in the Andychów Municipality, Lesser Poland Voivodeship) encompasses a preschool and primary school both bearing the name of Tadeusz Kościuszko. Over the last four years, the educational institution has distinguished itself through an activity of particular importance – organizing a conference focused on the development of astronomical education.
This year, in preparation for the fourth edition of the Kosmiting Summit, the organizers extended and invitation for the Nicolaus Copernicus Academy to support the event. As a result of talks beginnig on the 20th May, 2026, an agreement was reached between the Academy and the Andrychów Municipality representing the School Complex; with the aim of working for the development of science as well as the transfer of knowledge, experience, and technology in the field of astronomy. Of particular note in this context are the institution’s School Astronomical Observatory and the development of its activities in the field of astronomy popularization.
On the basis of this cooperation, the Nicolaus Copernicus Academy contributed material support to the centres engaged in the popularization of astronomical education which took part in the conference. This contribution took the form of funding the following observational instruments:
1. telescope SEESTAR S30 PRO ZWO
2. binoculars BAA973WA NIKON ACTION 10X50
3. binoculars CELESTRON 7X50 COMETRON
These tools were the three topmost prizes in the event’s second-day contest for the best poster and presentation of an educational project in the field of astronomy. Participants in the competition included students, lovers of and instructors in astronomy from various educational centres, and astronomical clubs from across Poland.
The second component of the Academy’s commitment was its participation in lecture panels with the aim of broadening the spectrum of thought on the most effective form of popularization and systemic reform of astronomy education. One of the lectures contributing towards building a lasting understanding with academia was delivered remotely by Prof. Krzysztof Górski, Secretary General of the Nicolaus Copernicus Academy, and Prof. Marek Sarna, member of the Chamber of Astronomy and Mathematical-Natural Sciences of the NCA; it focused on the mission and potential of the Academy.
On May 30th, 2026, Kosmiting Summit4 also coincided with the transfer of the NCA’s display titled “Nicolaus Copernicus – Pilgrimage to the Stars” to the Principal of the Sułkowice-Bolęcina School Complex Ms. Agnieszka Hudzik, along with a facsimile of the first edition of Nicolaus Copernicus’s opus De revolutionubus orbium coelestium. Both the book and the display will aid in the educational activities of the Complex and affiliated local schools.
