Astronomy Club of Kosovo or in ('''Klubi i Astronomëve Amatorë të Kosovës'''|),[1] is the first science activity and the highest distribution of astronomy throughout Albanian areas with the aim to build, promote, popularize and bring the knowledge of science and astronomy in the Republic of Kosovo and the region.Founded on March 20, 2014 by a group of passionate students who share the passion for the art of astronomy and everything related to it. ACK, leadership structure, is made up of 3 original founders Suhel Ahmeti, Pranvera Hyseni and Dardan Gashi later consisting of 3 other founders such as Nurtene Gavazi, Arber Halili and Hava Jahaj.
President & Founder: Suhel Ahmeti, Board Members (15 representatives altogether, representing the highest decision-making structure), Leader of the Assembly Members: Muhamed Zeqiri, Secretary: Pranvera Begolli, Board Members: Sabit Gashi, Shpresa Mehmeti, Flaktrim Rrahimi, Rina Berisha and numerous members and volunteers who are active with our events and contribute their time to the benefit of the community. [2] [3]
The group initially came together as only lovers of astronomy, with simple tools that each member of the group had in their homes, slowly growing into a more serious group with scheduled meetings for stargazing, discussions about astronomy and ways that the group can impact the community. After a long activity, when the number of members increased. Astronomy Club of Kosovo, decided to establish as an NGO official association of young people in Kosovo. The NGO has been registered in late 2014, being the 1st science & astronomy club in Kosovo since people had shown interest towards astronomy and realized that the community needs to grow and find ways to support the activities. [4] Astronomy in Kosovo is left behind, maybe because this field is costly or the conflict on the Balkans in 1999, had an impact on the economic development and other processes important for development of the country. Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe and is on the road towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Kosovo is still in the transition phase, and most of the astronomy teaching that is done in schools is done in a most impractical way and all in theory. The club's aims are to bring practical experience where it is needed and to use every opportunity to teach teachers who own telescopes but do not know how to convey their usage to students. [5] [6]
The art of astronomy is not a very well-known activity in Kosovo, mostly due to the lack of information and equipment. Creating a space where people who are interested can at least get the information they require about astronomy is essential. If they wish to become more involved, they can be included in the club's programs and activities. The telescopes will enable serving more people simultaneously and hopefully expand the range of activities.
As a growing club, the Astronomy Club of Kosovo has new members, both young and old, who are actively interested in astronomy and seek to engage with fellow enthusiasts. The aim is to use the telescopes and available tools to foster a love of astronomy through various astronomical events. There is also an opportunity for professors interested in practical lessons of astronomy to use the equipment and premises, continuing to train professors in the art of astronomy so they can bring more practical experiences to their students. It is important to organize joint events with other astronomy clubs in Kosovo, Albania, and internationally, with the aim of creating an astronomy network that initially includes these countries and later expands to include as many countries as possible. [7]
Based on the responsibilities provided by the Statute, the ACK Board shall act every-time in accordance with the purpose of the organization.
| Position | Name / Surname |
|---|---|
| Executive Director & Founder | Suhel Ahmeti |
| Muhamed Zeqiri | |
| Pranvera Begolli | |
| Sabit Gashi | |
| Shpresa Mehmeti | |
| Flaktrim Rrahimi | |
| Rina Berisha | |
So far, with the available possibilities and capabilities, the Astronomy Club of Kosovo (ACK) has organized numerous public events, star-parties, astro-camps, festivals, and seminars. Depending on the weather conditions, public events include solar events using protective filters, the projecting method, and an H-Alpha Solar Telescope. Astro camps are held once a month, usually away from city lights and light pollution. Astro festivals are traditional festivals held in Prizren, a city known for its festivals in the Balkans. Astronomy seminars cover important topics and feature qualified speakers such as Prof. Dr. Jahja Kokaj,[8] an Albanian scientist who lectures at the University of Kuwait and has worked for NASA. The club also follows rare astronomical events, such as planetary movements or alignments, visible comets, solar or lunar eclipses, and engages in astrophotography.
Boundaries vanish when we look skyward - One People, One Sky.We all share the same sky, and Astronomers Without Borders brings the world together to share our passion of astronomy and the wonders of the Universe.
National Coordinators [9] [10] bring Affiliates into Astronomers Without Borders and organize and expedite AWB programs in their countries. They also represent their country in discussions of global projects. In 2016, the Astronomy Club of Kosovo became the official representative and coordinator of Astronomers Without Borders for Albania and Kosovo. This global community of astronomers operates under the motto "One People - One Sky," representing the Republic of Kosovo internationally in the field of astronomy. Future plans include visits abroad to bring international experience to Kosovo.
See main article: Prishtina Observatory. In 1977, some young people had established "Kosovo Young Researchers", among which was the astronomy club. At that time, the astronomy club was practicing its activity at the Dome Observatory and the office located near the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina.Through this dome, various astronomical observations have been made, collaborating with regional clubs, organizing study tours etc. The construction and origin of this dome is from the United States, Illinois.
Whereas today, after the declaration of Kosovo's Independence, it is expected that this observatory will be re-fictionalized and reintroduced again by Astronomy Club of Kosovo. The aim is to organize public events, observing rare astronomical events, by carrying out observations, scientific discoveries, opening to the public and giving them opportunities and approaches. Just as many countries and clubs in the world have their own observatories, our goal is to become the center of the different amateur and professional astronomers.
In the 1980s, the observatory at the "Youth Center" in Pristina which was once called "Boro & Ramiz" was used for scientific and educational purposes, and since that time according to our information, this observatory was no longer used and used for the destination which was built. Finally, our request has been approved by the government and its the matter of time when it will be reopened again for the public as it will also need renovations.