As Armenia prepares to host the IAU Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP2026) Conference for the first time, organizers revealed that the country intends to put forward a globally significant and groundbreaking proposal.
The International Astronomical Union and Armenia’s V. Hambardzumyan Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory are organizing CAP2026.
IAU CAP Conferences are dedicated to bringing together astronomy communicators from around the world. The event will take place in Yerevan from May 25 to 29.
Areg Mikayelyan, Director of the Byurakan Observatory, told Armenpress that Armenia seeks to initiate the creation of a comprehensive cooperation network involving the operators of Asia’s major observatories, modeled after Europe’s OPTICON network.
The OPTICON network (Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy) is a large-scale, EU-funded consortium uniting Europe’s ground-based astronomy communities. It offers coordinated access to telescopes, supports technology development, and brings together optical and radio astronomy to advance multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy.
He also noted that the CAP2026 program is engaging and wide-ranging, covering topics such as the integration of astronomy and education, the popularization of astronomy, the organization and operation of planetariums, and other innovative projects.
Mikayelyan also stated that Armenia is actively contributing to the development of virtual astronomy. He noted that Armenia is among only 20 countries worldwide with a virtual observatory. According to him, this is another area in which Armenia could become a regional leader.
A special session will be dedicated to the development of astronomical tourism.
The conference’s main topics will include science journalism, the use of artificial intelligence in astronomy communication and outreach, social media, public astronomy education programs, and modern tools for science communication.
The upcoming conference, along with all other events planned throughout the year, is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, which is being celebrated this year. A major international scientific conference dedicated to the anniversary is scheduled to take place in September.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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