Rising NAW: UP Astronomical Society shines bright with the upcoming National Astronomy Week 2026!

by Clarize Francisco

The University of the Philippines Astronomical Society (UP AstroSoc) is a non-profit student organization that has dedicated itself to the promotion and understanding of astronomy among students and the general public for over three decades. This February, the annual National Astronomy Week (NAW) 2026 will be hosted once more, featuring five events that are sure to brighten your week this February.

Starting off with events that can make students shine, Big Bang is an astronomical quiz showcasing the knowledge of high school students about astronomy, as well as promoting the significance of astronomy and space education in research, culture, and society. Alongside this stellar event is Take Off!, a water rocket-making and rocket-launching competition fostering resourcefulness and innovation among students and highlighting the monumental contributions of rockets to the field of astronomy. Both events will be held at UP Diliman on February 21, 2026.

Parallax is a roundtable discussion aimed at helping educators develop a new understanding of the universe and advanced instructional skills in teaching astronomy to their students, promoting the significance of fostering curiosity, imagination, a sense of exploration, and shared discovery in society. This event will be held in a hybrid format via Zoom and at UP Diliman on February 21, 2026.

NAW 2026 is also open to the general public, with events such as Cosmic Clicks, an astrophotography contest celebrating the work of amateur and professional astronomy photographers alike while showcasing the captivating beauty of astronomy to the general public. The top three entries will be announced on February 26, 2026.

Orionids is an ongoing online trivia quiz for the general public and is currently held on UP AstroSoc’s official Facebook page, having started last February 16 and continuing until February 20. This brilliant event tests the public’s general astronomical knowledge and provides interesting information about the cosmos beyond our planet.

Register for NAW through this link:
https://forms.gle/PZbkFLzs5SxD8q157

For more information on these events, please check our official handbook:
http://bit.ly/49oF7Zm

For more updates and announcements, be sure to follow our Facebook (fb.com/upastrosoc), X/Twitter (@upastrosoc), and Instagram (@upastrosociety). Let’s rise above the stars this month by revelling in the events!