To celebrate the transit of Venus 2012 on 6 June 2012, Universe Awareness (UNAWE) is developing an educational project in Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) in South-East Asia, which is one of the few countries where the transit event will be visible in its entirety. This project will be the largest scientific event ever organised in Timor-Leste and this will be the first time astronomy comes to the country since they declared their independence 10 years ago. 

UNAWE will be running several educational activities in Timor-Leste, from 1 June to 8 June 2012. The programme will include educational play activities for children, teacher training sessions, public talks, university lectures, an exhibition about astronomy and a large-scale public observing event. It is expected that these activities will reach over 5,000 people in the capital city of Díli, and a further 800 schoolchildren in the city of Gleno. 

“An event like the Transit of Venus creates an outstanding opportunity to bring astronomy and science to the Timorese population,” says Pedro Russo, UNAWE International Project Manager.  “We hope that our efforts will open new horizons for the young children of Timor-Leste and encourage them to pursue scientific and technological careers.”

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