Another Orbit


Universe is too wonderful to not to share with anyone, specially with children. Unfortunately many children discover the beauty of the Universe bit too late, or some never get to enjoy it. That's why I fully support Universe Awareness (UNAWE) - a program which put its heart and soul into inspiring every child with our wonderful Universe, regardless of the social status.

As I complete yet another orbit around the Sun, I couldn't have celebrated my birthday better than with children from an orphanage in Sri Lanka, doing astronomy!

Thank you for everyone who sent in wishes and helped with the event, specially my dad and aunt for helping with cooking, and Kavindi (UNAWE-Sri Lanka), Kaminda, Gihantha, Tijitha, and Janith for helping with the activities.


teaching basic astronomy concepts to kids

tour around the Universe

not only kids, but orphanage staff enjoyed the Universe

lunch time

it's wonderful to see how kids visualize the Universe

kids version of the Universe :-)

kids with UNAWE - Sri Lanka

busy with the "Eggnauts" challenge!

teaching kids is such a rewarding experience

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand"

time to test those "Eggnauts"

it was a wonderful day


This was just a tiny effort to show the beauty of the Universe to children. We all need to play our part, continue our effort to educate the future generations, to help them to discover our Universe , to make the world a better place.

On a closing note, please consider making a donation towards “Astronomy in Timor-Leste: Celebrating the Transit of Venus 2012” (a project of UNAWE) – that’s my “Birthday Wish”.




Birthday Wish: Make it happen!


As I complete yet another orbit, I'd like to make a birthday wish - something that my friends around the world could help to make it happen!


This year will be the last opportunity in our lifetime to see a Venus Transit. What's a better way to celebrate it than going all the way to Timor-Leste, a country that only recently became fully independent, and organise several educational activities on the occasion of this rare astronomical event.

Above will become a reality thanks to Universe Awareness (UNAWE). A team of UNAWE Student Ambassadors will travel to Timor-Leste for Venus Transit to inspire the children with astronomy, and make them believe that they can be the scientists of the future!


This is where you can help!


UNAWE is looking for financial support to purchase Safe Solar Goggles, Earthballs, Planispheres, Galileoscopes, Solarscopes, and Telescopes which will be used in educational activities in Timor-Leste. Donations can be made little as from few solar goggles to couple of Galileoscopes.


Make it happen!


Please consider making a donation and forwarding my "Birthday Wish" to your friends as well. To make a donation and more info: Astronomy in Timor-Leste: Celebrating the Transit of Venus 2012



Cheers!
Thilina