Syrian Amateur Astronomers Association

Syrian Amateur Astronomers Association (SAAA) is a scientific Syrian association whose activities extend over the whole land of Syria. The Association was announced officially on 31/8/2005, and it strives to familiarize people in Syria and Arabic countries with astronomy in all possible ways.

The start was shy and modest in face of lack of support and fund. The association could still make great leaps in both the quantity and quality of its activities, and it was able to attract a good number of populations from all age groups. The association now carries out distinctive observational activities to allow an extensive contact between experts, amateurs, and general population on special astronomical events. Moreover it does have a strong influence on the media through its website and publications. It also attracts a lot of reporters and correspondents who seek explanations for various astronomical events which occur from time to time.

As for educating the population in astronomy we have worked so hard in order to broaden the concept of astronomy among different social levels. This was accomplished through different scientific activities which gained an excellent acceptance in the media. The association was able to attract a large number of people and to enroll more and more number of attracted individuals who did not have a previous knowledge of astronomy. The association includes now more than 200 members, ranging in age from 14 to 70 years.

The association could do a lot of activities in cooperation with many private and government organizations. It could also build strong relationships with many astronomical associations in surrounding countries and in some non-Arabic speaking countries.

Since its launch the association has been concentrating on reawakening the Arabic historical heritage in astronomy. The association has a specialist team in this field who strives to look for new information in local libraries and ancient monuments. We always include some information about ancient Arabic astronomers in our publications so that people can be aware of the accomplishment of their ancestors.

By the end of 2006 the association started releasing its lovely leaflet, about 3000 copies of which are distributed every month free of charge. Moreover, the bulk of our effort was concentrated on astronomical events. We have not missed even the simplest event without organizing an interesting observational night, trying to enroll as much number of people as we can. We could for example include about 1,200 participants in the 2007 Perseids meteor shower observation at one place. We have also organized a number of meetings and conferences in Syria to widen our relations with similar associations.

In addition to that we organize a program composed of about 40 lectures a year presented between September and June every Tuesday. The lectures are usually presented in Arabic language by members of the association or other Syrian or Arabic experts. Attendance is usually opened to public. We also present from time to time one of astronomy documentaries in a well-equipped hall and hold a related discussion after the show. 

The association tries to participate in all astronomy conferences in the Arabic world through its most active administrators and members. We also participated in some international meetings such as the 2007 International Workshop in Japan. The participation usually takes the form of presenting some lectures about our latest activities or about a hot scientific topic. We have also organized some astronomy conferences and meetings in Syria, and we have also welcomed some international organizations such as the Hipparchus Astronomical Society from Italy.