Projects and Works
Here, you can explore the details of the various projects and works I’ve been involved in. I’m excited to share my journey and achievements with you. Dive in and get inspired by the dedication that goes into everything I do.
Projects
Kargahe Setare
The Kargahe Setare Project, established in 2017, aims to promote astronomy and space sciences among Iranian youth on a global scale. This online-based initiative offers a variety of components designed to engage children from the most remote villages in Iran to the largest cities worldwide. Utilizing digital technologies and tools, our project impacts not only children but also educators and parents. We have published hundreds of educational essays covering diverse subjects and methods, held numerous online workshops, and provided access to podcasts and videos. Our efforts have bridged the gap between the academic community and young learners, giving children the opportunity to meet scientists and connect with major facilities worldwide. The project experienced significant growth during the pandemic, as online education became more widespread. Over the years, more than 10,000 children from around the world have joined our programs. Today, hundreds of students from over 50 countries are actively participating in our online classes. In 2022, the Kargahe Setare Project was presented at the European Space Agency and at the University of Toronto in 2023, receiving excellent feedback from audiences. Despite our achievements, we recognize that there is still much to be done. We are committed to continuing our efforts to inspire young generations globally, fostering a better understanding of the wonders of the cosmos and making the universe a better place.
Representation of the Sky in the Land of Iran
The "Representation of the Sky in the Land of Iran" project bridges astronomy, art, history, and education, specifically focusing on the connections within Iranian ancient heritage. Inspired by my childhood interest in archaeology, art, and Iranian ancient heritage, I conceived this project six years ago, and it has since become a primary focus. The project aims to explore the visualization of the heavens in Iranian ancient heritage, such as manuscripts, pottery, coins, seals, paintings, and instruments. To achieve this, I initiated a collaboration with the University of Tehran, working closely with Dr. Amir Mohammad Gamini at the Institute for the History of Science. This partnership allowed me to expand the project and collaborate with colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. My research involves identifying and studying objects that depict the night sky and celestial bodies in Iranian museums and museums worldwide. This ongoing project not only involves research and the creation of a comprehensive database of these objects but also aims to integrate this knowledge into astronomy education for children, emphasizing the importance of indigenous astronomy. I hope the outcomes of this project will pave the way for a new method of teaching astronomy to Iranian youth, grounded in the rich history, culture, and ancient heritage of Iran. Additionally, the database we are developing will serve as a valuable resource for future researchers interested in this field. The project has been presented at Kagoshima University in 2023 and at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) of Iran in 2024. These presentations garnered significant interest and attention from museum staff, researchers, university professors, and educators.
Works
Member of the Specialized Science Group of the Children’s Book Council of Iran
I am honored to serve on the Children's Book Council of Iran, where I also review published books in the field of astronomy for Iranian children and youths.The Children's Book Council of Iran is dedicated to advancing children's literature and education nationwide. It strives to enrich young minds with culturally enriching and educational content, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Through its initiatives and publications, the council plays a pivotal role in shaping the literary and educational experiences of Iranian youth, promoting a lifelong passion for reading and learning.
Member of the Astronomy Expert Group of the Iranian Encyclopedia for Young People
I am a member of the Astronomy Expert Group of the Iranian Encyclopedia for Young People, contributing articles on astronomy and assisting with essay writing. The Iranian Encyclopedia for Young People, published by the IIDCYA, serves as a comprehensive educational resource tailored for children and young adults in Iran. It covers a wide array of subjects, including history, science, literature, arts, geography, and technology. Each volume is designed to provide accessible and engaging information, fostering intellectual curiosity and promoting a lifelong passion for learning among Iranian youth.
Writer at Nojum Magazine
As a writer at Nojum Magazine, I contribute essays for adults and have recently introduced dedicated pages for children, marking a significant milestone in the magazine's 33-year history. Nojum magazine, a cornerstone of Iranian astronomy, has been informing and inspiring readers for over 33 years. It provides a wealth of articles, insights, and updates on topics ranging from astrophysics to space exploration. Nojum magazine continues to play a vital role in promoting scientific literacy and fostering a deep appreciation for the cosmos among its diverse readership in Iran and beyond.
Speaker and Expert at Space Station Podcast
The Space Station Podcast, led by Siavash Saffarianpour, is a pioneering platform in Iran dedicated to exploring astronomy and space sciences. As one of the main speakers and experts, I contribute by discussing different astronomy and space sciences subjects, scientific topics, space missions, and the latest advancements. A special segment of the podcast is devoted to children, where I write science fiction stories aimed at educating young listeners about astronomy and space sciences in an engaging and accessible way. The Space Station Podcast aims to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the universe among its audience in Iran and beyond.
Astronomy Educator
For over a decade, I have been dedicated to teaching astronomy to children aged 5-12 in Iran at some of the most prestigious centers for astronomy education, including the Night Sky Institute, Zaferanieh Educational Observatory, Nojum magazine, and Kargahe Setare. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I shifted my focus to online education and outreach, which has allowed me to continuously work with hundreds of students from over 50 countries. By providing online astronomy education and outreach for Iranian children, I was able to eliminate borders on Earth and offer equal education to children from the most distant villages in Iran to the big cities around the world. In 2024, not only did we eliminate these borders, but the outcomes of my work with my students reached space! With the help of my colleague, Pouria Nazemi, and the kindness of Iranian-American astronaut Jasmine Moghbeli, hundreds of paintings from the students of the Kargahe Setare project were shown at the International Space Station. Not only did we remove borders on Earth and space, but we also created a vast museum of children’s artworks in space.