“ASTRONOMY IN Guyana

Human beings are curious creatures by nature. Since the dawn of human civilization, perhaps much older than civilization itself, humans have asked profound questions about their existence and what it all means. These questions are often described as

‘fundamental’, which is to say we are trying to explore the heart of the question that makes it worth pursuing. In the process, we are also attempting to explain the significance of everything that makes up what we call the universe. But there is one question we’ve asked that has completely revolutionized our understanding about our place in the universe — what is out there? This question has been explored by virtually every human culture and religion, though with a diverse range of responses ranging from elaborate theological hypotheses to naturalistic explanations. But we should feel indebted to this quest to know the universe because it has led to informing us so much more about ourselves as a species.

Although ancient cultures offered different perspectives, generally their cosmology centered on human affairs. Ancient civilizations recognized the importance of studying our role in this grand cosmic arrangement, so much so that priests and astrologers were commissioned by state authorities to survey the heavens to come up with suitable answers for why things happen in the world deemed good or bad. Fast forward to modernity, science and technology reigns supreme, allowing us to gain incredible insights and captivating views of the universe.

Today, modern astronomy gives us the tools required to understand the universe by extending our senses to worlds far beyond ours. As a developed science, it is the pursuit of studying the universe

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Ferlin F. Pedro

FERLIN F. PEDROGuyanese Astrophotographer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ferlin Pedro is the founder of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Guyana which seeks to promote astronomy to the Guyanese public. He is also an avid astrophotographer. He is also a part-time postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh pursuing a Masterof Science degree in Philosophy, Science and Religion. He holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Philosophy awarded by the University of London. He currently resides in Queens, New York. He was born and raised in Guyana prior to moving to the United States in 2016. Occasionally, he travels to Guyana to organize public star parties and local astronomical activities.

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Science | Special Editionand everything it is made of, from planetary physics to the nature of black holes. But one does not have to be a professional astronomer to participate in astronomical adventures. Anyone can be part of the quest to know ‘what is out there’ beginning with the simple act of looking up at the starry night sky, possibly the oldest tradition of humankind known to us. Using specialized instruments, such as a telescope, one can explore the wonders of the universe in spectacular detail.

In the Caribbean, astronomy is gaining notable attention. For instance, in Guyana, where I am from, interest in astronomy is showing great potential there. This is thanks to two major movements that seek to promote astronomy in public life. At the University of Guyana, there is the Astronomical Society which aims to attract campus students to become part of the stargazing community. Events are planned and organized by campus students with the aid of the faculty members. Additionally, there is a non-profit association, called the Amateur Astronomers Association of Guyana, with the vision of promoting and educating people about the night sky. The Association frequently organizes public star-parties and online lectures in astronomy and cosmology with some philosophy.

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What’s terrific about Caribbean countries, including Guyana, is that they have a geographical advantage of seeing many celestial objects (stars, galaxies, nebulae, etc.) from both northern and southern hemispheres, a benefit which residents of North America and the United Kingdom, for example, are disadvantaged by based on their geographical placement. Another advantage the Caribbean has which many parts of the world do not is dark skies everywhere.

The congestion of city life coupled with the growing problem of light pollution hinders our connection with and appreciation for the universe. Because of this, many parts around the world are securing places designated as ‘dark sites’, that is reserve parks, where there is zero tolerance for light pollution. The objective is to preserve the night sky so that those who want to look up can do so without the negative effects of a light polluted sky caused by immense urban lighting. This is an important

policy the Caribbean region can emulate in their development strategy to ensure the night skyremains accessible to us. Such a policy can also offer a tourism attraction for astronomical adventures. Astronomy should be embraced throughout the Caribbean. It is arguably the ultimate STEAM subject available, combining science, technology, and even art to help us make sense of the universe. We should take every opportunity to expand our horizons to encompass a cosmic one. Let us aspire to become a region of cosmic explorers, and to emphasize the importance of curiosity. Like our imagination, the quest to know the universe is virtually limitless. Such a quest transcends human relations while in the process compel us to re-examine the way we see the significance of ourselves in the vastness of space. We can find purpose in the universe, and we can do so together.

Photos Credit: Ferlin F. Pedro