Global Astronomy Month

Overview

Global Astronomy Month (GAM), is organized every year in April by the SPACE India with an aim to unite enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating Astronomy and Space Science. Throughout this month, SPACE India offers a range of astronomy competitions, events and various outreach programs to the public, associated schools, non-associated schools, and students from various other programs to promote astronomy worldwide.

Conduct and participate in Astronomy events to promote Astronomy with SPACE India. Participate in the virtual online observations, Astro-Art contest, Astro-Poetry contest, and many more such competitions, events, and projects and receive amazing rewards!

SPACE India proposes a list of GAM and general astronomy programs to associated schools. Schools conduct events in categories such as Observing events with Global Star Parties and ‘Sunday’, Virtual online programs, Astroart, and Astropoetry contests. Several students in the past have won prizes in GAM Astropoetry and Astroart competitions internationally. Many students contributed and clicked stunning Astrophotographs. SPACE-associated schools and other program-associated students have been conducting exciting events during GAM to promote participation.

Beginning in 2012, SPACE-affiliated schools have gained recognition for their extensive social media activity and publishing throughout the past few years.

Review the competition details and click on the registration links provided in the tabs above for each competition.

AstroArt Competition

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known” – Carl Sagan

SPACE India is thrilled to announce the Astro Art Competition as a part of GAM 2024. Art serves as a wonderful medium to convey the wonder and thrill of astronomy. We’re eagerly anticipating the submissions for this contest!

The competition features four distinct categories of class groups, which are:

Participants under the age of 18 must be approved by a parent or guardian.

Submissions are open to artwork in any medium, as long as it demonstrates creativity. However, please note that Astrophotography will not be considered. There is no prescribed theme; instead, we encourage you to draw inspiration from your love for astronomy when creating pieces.

The artwork must be submitted digitally. If you have created a physical piece, please submit a high-quality photograph of the work, making sure it is clear and easy to see.

REGISTRATION Will start from 2nd April 2024 till 30th April 2024.

Note: Participants have to upload the files on the submission link

Submit Your Work Here

Prizes

The three best entries in each category will be awarded prizes. Winners will receive appreciation certificates and Space goodies by SPACE.

1st Prize: INR 3,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

2nd Prize: INR 2,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

3rd Prize: INR 1,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

The winners will also get the chance to experience a Virtual Tour of the Observatory

Astro Art Competition Rules

All entries must be submitted by April 30, 2024 11:59PM IST. Submissions received after midnight on April 30th will not be entertained.
There is no fee to enter or win the competition.
The artwork must be a unique piece created by the participant only. It should be colored/painted on an A3 sheet.
The theme for the Artwork must be based on any topic or concept of Astronomy.
Children may receive some help from adults, but the majority of the concepts and construction must be completed by the child himself/herself.
Artwork must be a digital file: .jpg or .jpeg or .png image files are required and cannot be more than 100 MB in size. The file dimensions must be at least 3400 pixels at the widest side (scanned at 300 dpi). If the submitted artwork does not fit the above parameters, it will not be considered for the contest.
Artworks must be entered in the proper class groups: 1st – 2nd; 3rd – 5th; 6th – 8th; 9th – 12th.
Participants are required to include a title and a brief caption (50 words or less) for their artwork, which will be taken into account in the judging phase.
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian permission to enter the contest. Parents can also include their email address in the registration form

Additional Competition Information

All submitted works are eligible for a GAM 2024 participation certificate.
Winning entries will be announced on the SPACE India official social media pages.
Grant of Rights: Each Participant unconditionally transfers all rights, titles, interests, claims, ideas, concepts, copyrighted materials, and trademarks. Entries may be used in advertising, or any other SPACE India publicity.
Submissions will be judged for aesthetic value and originality.
After the completion of the competition by 30th April 2024, winners will be announced on the 1st week of July 2024 and will be announced via the SPACE India social media pages and an email will be sent to the registered participants.

Judgement Criteria

Judgement criteria for an Astroart Competition should encompass both artistic merit and thematic relevance to Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Potential criteria for the judgement:

Creativity and Originality: Originality in concept and execution should be a primary focus. Judges should look for artworks that present unique interpretations of astronomical themes and concepts.

Aesthetic Appeal: The visual impact of the artwork is crucial. This includes composition, color choice, use of space, and overall aesthetic quality. Judges should consider how well the artwork captures the beauty and wonder of space.

Technical Skill: Evaluation of the artist’s technical proficiency, including mastery of the chosen medium (painting, drawing), attention to detail, and execution of techniques relevant to the chosen medium.

Conceptual Relevance: How well the artwork aligns with the theme of Astronomy and Space Science. Judges should assess the depth of connection between the artwork and scientific concepts, celestial objects, space phenomena, or futuristic space exploration themes.

Accuracy and Scientific Integrity: For artworks depicting scientific phenomena or celestial objects, judges should assess the accuracy of representations and the adherence to scientific principles. While artistic approach is allowed, artworks should maintain a level of scientific integrity.

By considering these criteria, judges can ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process that rewards artistic excellence while also celebrating the wonders of the Space.

Share your contribution and experience with us and the world on various social media platforms using various hashtags.

Facebook: #GAM2024, #SPACEIndia, @SPACEIndiaEdu

Instagram: #GAM2024, #SPACEIndia, @space_india

Twitter: #GAM2024, #SPACEIndia, @spacian

Thank you for your participation! Good luck!

AstroPoetry Competition

“Stardust whispers inspire celestial poetry”.

SPACE India is honored to present the Global Astro Poetry Competition.

Express your passion for the starry heavens by crafting an original poem and joining our poetry contest for GAM 2024.

The competition features three distinct categories of class groups, which are:

Participants under the age 18 must be approved by a parent or guardian.
The winners will be awarded with certificates and prizes.

REGISTRATION will start from 2nd April 2024 till 30th April 2024.

Note: Participants have to upload the files on the submission link

Submit Your Work Here

Prizes

The three best entries in each category will be awarded prizes. Winners will receive appreciation certificates and Space goodies by SPACE.

1st Prize: INR 3,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

2nd Prize: INR 2,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

3rd Prize: INR 1,000/- Cash Prize, Certificate, Trophy

The winners will also get the chance to experience a Virtual Tour of the Observatory

Astro Poetry Competition Rules

All entries must be submitted by April 30, 2024 11:59PM IST. Submissions received after midnight on April 30th will not be entertained.
There is no fee to enter or win the competition.
Poems must be written in English.
Only poems created by participants themselves will be considered. Any poems copied from books, the internet, or previously published sources will not be eligible for entry. We kindly request parents and teachers to verify the originality of the poems before submission.
Poems may be on any astronomy, night sky, or space-related subject.
Participants must include their complete mailing address and email address on the submission form to allow us to contact them if their poem wins a prize.
Poems can adopt any style or form, though it’s preferable for them to contain fewer than 30 lines in length.

Additional Competition Information:

All submitted works are eligible for a GAM 2024 participation certificate.
The contest winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. Astro Poetry will be judged based on originality, creativity, and imagination.
After the completion of the competition by 30th April 2024, winners will be announced on the 1st week of July 2024 and will be announced via the SPACE India social media pages and an email will be sent to the registered participants.
Grant of Rights: Each Participant unconditionally transfers all rights, titles, interests, claims, ideas, concepts, copyrighted materials, and trademarks. Entries may be used in advertising, or any other SPACE India publicity.
All winning poems may be posted to the SPACE India official social media pages unless requirements are not met or are deemed inappropriate for the contest. These same poems may be used for SPACE India-GAM 2024 or future SPACE India-GAM social media outlets.
Please fill out all of the contact information on the submission or registration form, including your first name, class, email address, and complete mailing address.

Judgement Criteria

Judgement criteria for an Astropoetry Competition should encompass both artistic merit and thematic relevance to Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Potential criteria for the judgement:

Imagery and Descriptive Language: Evaluation of the poet’s use of vivid imagery, and descriptive language to evoke the awe-inspiring vastness, beauty, and mystery of the space.

Creativity and Originality: Assessment of the originality and creativity of the poet’s approach to exploring astronomical themes, concepts, and phenomena through poetry. Judges should look for fresh perspectives and imaginative interpretations

Thematic Relevance: Evaluation of the alignment between the poetry and the theme of astronomy, space exploration, and the wonders of the universe. Judges should assess how well the poems engage with astronomical concepts, celestial bodies, space exploration endeavors, or the human experience of contemplating the cosmos.

Language and Craftsmanship: Assessment of the poet’s mastery of language, including use of rhythm, meter, rhyme, structure, and poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, and symbolism. Judges should evaluate the technical skill and craftsmanship demonstrated in the construction of the poems.

Scientific Accuracy and Integrity: For poems incorporating scientific concepts or descriptions of celestial phenomena, judges should assess the accuracy of representations and adherence to scientific principles. Poems should maintain a level of scientific integrity.

By considering these criteria, judges can ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process that rewards artistic excellence while also celebrating the wonders of the Space.