IOAS is the pioneer Astronomical institute in Sri Lanka with professional and amateur astronomers from all over the world, who are active in astronomical research, education, and outreach in astronomy.  It is one of the highly recognized astronomical organizations in the south Asian region. The mission of the IOAS is to promote astronomy in all its aspects (including research, communication, education, and development) through national and international cooperation. IOAS was founded in 2018, functioned under S & T Group established in 2002.

It mainly focuses on the advancement of the field of astronomy in terms of both stimulating and disseminating astronomical knowledge among youngsters, on providing the training and resources necessary to use astronomy to stimulate teaching and education from elementary to the high school level, training young astronomers at the university level, and producing the next generation of astronomers. Among the tasks of the IOAS are: promoting educational activities in astronomy; and hosting informal discussions on the possibilities for future international facilities, working to promote astronomical research, education, and public outreach, as well as using astronomy for development.

Courses/ Activities

• Astronomy Certificate courses and workshops
• December school for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels
• Standard professional night sky observation camps, and Astronomical Workshops and Training Programmes in schools, teacher training colleges, Universities, and Institutes.
• “A holiday with stars” Enthusiastic Stargazing events for guests in hotels and resorts.
• “White Dwarf” Night-time Adventure activities engaged with Astronomy
• School for Astrophotography

Online Courses - 2021

Astronomy Online Short Course

AO 01 - Observational Astronomy

AO 02 - Telescopes

AO 03 - Solar System & Earth Science

AO 04 - Space Exploration

AO 05 - Astrobiology

AO 06 - Stellar Evolution & Blackholes

AO 07 - Big Bang and the fate of the Universe

AO 08 - Extraterrestrial Life 

Primary Online Courses

PO 01 -  Observational Astronomy

PO 02 - Solar System 

PO 03 - Space Exploration

PO 04 - Alien Life & UFOs

PO 05 - Fate of Stars & Blackholes

PO 06 - Big bang and the Universe

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