From 21 to 23 November 2025, sixteen high-school students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of astronomy under the guidance of specialists from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. The theoretical and practical classes were conducted by Prof. Anna Bartkiewicz, Prof. Gracjan Maciejewski, Dr. Karolina Bąkowska, Dr. Marcin Gawroński, Dr. Paweł Zieliński, and MSc. Agnieszka Gurgul.
During the three-day workshop, participants explored topics related to extrasolar planets, cataclysmic stars, and fast radio bursts. They also worked with real observational data and took part in remote observations carried out using an optical telescope located in Chile. The workshop program included a visit to the astronomical observatory in Piwnice, where the students could see the largest optical telescope in Poland, with a primary mirror diameter of 90 cm, as well as the radiotelescope RT4. The schedule was complemented by integration activities, sightseeing of Toruń, and additional attractions such as a tour in the Centre of Innovation Mill of Knowledge.
According to the participants, the event was an excellent opportunity to meet the staff of the Institute of Astronomy, learn about the research conducted there, explore the Institute’s equipment, and become familiar with the educational offer of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics. Many questions were asked about what it is like to study at NCU. We hope that this visit will help many students decide both where and what they want to study.
The workshops were organized jointly with the staff of the Institute of Astronomy NCU by the European Astronomical Society of Small Telescopes (EASST) Foundation, the Antares Foundation, and the Almukantarat Astronomical Club. The project is co-funded by the Polish Ministry of National Education.
More details here: https://easst.eu/omg2025