13-16 JULY 2023 INTERNATIONAL HOPEL PLATEAU SKY OBSERVATION EVENT
Between 13-16 July 2023, "Topuklu Plateau International Observation Activities with Ethem Hodja" was held in Denizli Beyağaç District Topuklu Plateau. A total of 1,700 astronomy lovers, including 400 children, participated in the event, which was held for the second time this year. The sky observation event was organized by Beyağaç Municipality, Kalebey Local It was held in cooperation with the Action Group Association, Beyağaç Women's Enterprise Production and Business Cooperative, South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA), which carries out its activities under the coordination of the General Directorate of Development Agencies of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Pamukkale University.
Participants in the sky observation event had the chance to examine sunspots, planets and deep space objects with 6 telescopes of different sizes and types installed in the area. Pictures of deep space objects were taken at night with approximately 30 telescopes installed in the event area by astrophotographers. In addition, presentations were made on astronomy science, light pollution and the fight against light pollution, international dark sky parks, astro tourism and astrophotography in the three-day program. Fun activities and competitions were organized for children in workshops set up on the plateau. Space-themed screenings were held in the tent planetarium set up in the area by volunteer teams.
The event organization team, which has been working for two years for Topuklu Plateau to receive the status of "International Dark Sky Park", invited Micheal RYMER, a member of the "International Dark Sky Parks Committee", to the event and made him examine the area. Rymer made a presentation to the participants of the event and said that this region, whose certification process is ongoing, is very close to becoming a dark sky park and that this status can be achieved in a very short time with the support of both the relevant authorities and the public.
Participants attending the event stated that they mostly lived in city centers, so they saw the sky and the Milky Way here for the first time. Participants stated that they understood the concept of light pollution better here and said that this event was spread throughout the country and raised awareness in terms of both astronomy science, astro tourism and nature protection. Prof. is the founding member of the AstroBilgi team, which makes great efforts to popularize astronomy in our country. Dr. Ethem DERMAN paid close attention to participants of all ages and held various science conversations throughout the event.
This successfully realized event will increase the recognition of the names of Beyağaç and Topuklu Plateaus both at national and international levels and will accelerate the social, cultural and economic development of the local people. These events will be continued by expanding the scope every year and will ensure that Denizli, Beyağaç and Topuklu Plateau are known and recognized as "Astro Tourism Destinations" in the near future.
