Astronomy for Equity

Astronomy for Equity We Bring STEM to Underserved Communities

Atiyah Alhasadi – Chairman, Royal for Astronomy and Space Applications Foundation, LibyaMeet Atiyah Alhasadi! Atiyah is ...
05/19/2026

Atiyah Alhasadi – Chairman, Royal for Astronomy and Space Applications Foundation, Libya
Meet Atiyah Alhasadi!

Atiyah is the Chairman of the Royal for Astronomy and Space Applications Foundation in Libya. Through his work, he connects communities with astronomy and space applications while advocating for inclusion and outreach.

Having collaborated with Mike Simmons, Atiyah knows the impact of using astronomy to inspire, unite, and empower people under the shared sky. Astronomy for Equity celebrates leaders like him who bring the stars closer to everyone.

Astronomy in action! 🌟 TRIBU cultura astronómica brings the universe to life through hands-on workshops, performances, a...
05/18/2026

Astronomy in action! 🌟 TRIBU cultura astronómica brings the universe to life through hands-on workshops, performances, and public stargazing events in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Together, Cuauhtémoc, José Guillermo, and Magdalena create experiences that mix science, art, and social impact — inspiring curiosity and wonder in people of all ages.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/LwdWQluGyGM?si=zxLiESOTXw3kKE5m

From creative performances to community workshops, TRIBU cultura astronómica is redefining how people connect with the c...
05/18/2026

From creative performances to community workshops, TRIBU cultura astronómica is redefining how people connect with the cosmos. 🌠 In this episode, Mike Simmons chats with the TRIBU crew about bringing astronomy to students, families, and educators across Guadalajara and beyond:

Cuauhtémoc Méndez Rosas shares insights on international collaborations and content design that make science accessible.
José Guillermo Méndez Rosas, aka Bruno the Clown, explains how circus arts and storytelling inspire kids to explore the universe.
Magdalena Rodríguez Romero highlights the importance of social responsibility and inclusive engagement in TRIBU’s programs.

🎬 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/LwdWQluGyGM?si=zxLiESOTXw3kKE5m

Meet TRIBU cultura astronómica, a trailblazing astronomy organization from Guadalajara, Mexico! 🌌🇲🇽 TRIBU brings the uni...
04/26/2026

Meet TRIBU cultura astronómica, a trailblazing astronomy organization from Guadalajara, Mexico! 🌌🇲🇽

TRIBU brings the universe closer to everyone through guided observations, workshops, and community events that combine science, culture, and creativity.
This episode, Mike Simmons sits down with the passionate team behind TRIBU:

Cuauhtémoc Méndez Rosas, Professor of Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy, content director, and international astronomy education speaker.

José Guillermo Méndez Rosas (“Memo”/Bruno the Clown), who turns circus arts and storytelling into unforgettable astronomy lessons for kids.

Magdalena Rodríguez Romero, expert in social responsibility and development, guiding TRIBU’s outreach to communities far and wide.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://youtu.be/LwdWQluGyGM?si=zxLiESOTXw3kKE5m

ScienceCulture

Yumna Majeed is a dedicated Space Educator and the founder of Exploration, a space focused STEM education initiative bri...
04/23/2026

Yumna Majeed is a dedicated Space Educator and the founder of Exploration, a space focused STEM education initiative bringing astronomy and space science to classrooms across Pakistan since 2016. Through hands-on and interdisciplinary learning experiences, she has engaged over 31,000 students and inspired many more through virtual sessions and live events with space professionals, including astronauts.

Her impactful work has earned her national and international accolades, including the Pride of Pakistan Award, The Diana Award, and Gender Equality (SDG5) in Space Champion by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. She is also a recipient of the NASA Space Camp Right Stuff Award, the Diverse Dozen Award by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Emerging Space Leaders Award by the IAF.

Beyond her work with Exploration, Yumna is dedicated to mentorship and community building, especially among university students to pursue STEM careers and achieve their potential.

Meet Mayssa El Yazidi!Mayssa is a planetary geologist studying the surfaces of Mars, Mercury, and Venus, with expertise ...
04/21/2026

Meet Mayssa El Yazidi!

Mayssa is a planetary geologist studying the surfaces of Mars, Mercury, and Venus, with expertise in structural geology, surface geomorphology, and geological mapping using remote sensing data. She earned her doctoral degree in Mechanical Measurements for Engineering and Space at the University of Padova in 2023 and is currently pursuing postdoctoral opportunities.

Mayssa has witnessed how Mike Simmons inspires curiosity, opportunity, and inclusion in astronomy communities worldwide. At Astronomy for Equity, we celebrate her contributions and the scientists who turn the universe into a gateway for learning and discovery.

The Universe is not just seen—it’s experienced. ✨Did you know that astronomy can be explored through more than just sigh...
04/19/2026

The Universe is not just seen—it’s experienced. ✨

Did you know that astronomy can be explored through more than just sight? For the Blind and Low Vision (BLV) community, the wonders of the cosmos are felt through touch, heard through sound, and discovered through shared exploration.

What is BLV? Blind and Low Vision refers to individuals who are either without sight or whose vision is not sufficient for many daily tasks. At Astronomy for Equity, we believe that a lack of sight shouldn’t mean a lack of access to the stars.

Many astronomy outreach groups don’t realize how easily BLV individuals can be included. We are changing that by bringing together experts and local groups worldwide to share the tools and methods that make the night sky accessible to everyone.

From tactile constellation plates (like the Orion model shown here!) to data sonification, we are ensuring that thousands of people can learn about the wonders of our Universe side-by-side.

Touch. Listen. Explore. The cosmos belongs to us all.
🌌

SpaceForAll AccessibilityInScience

The Cosmos as a Gateway to STEM Opportunity ✨Every star we see in the night sky tells a story written in physics, math, ...
04/17/2026

The Cosmos as a Gateway to STEM Opportunity ✨

Every star we see in the night sky tells a story written in physics, math, chemistry, and engineering, the same languages of STEM careers. At Astronomy for Equity, we believe astronomy isn’t just about looking up, it’s about building pathways forward. By bringing telescopes, eclipse glasses, and hands‑on astronomy programs to underserved communities globally, we unlock curiosity and spark future scientists where the opportunities have been scarce. 🌍

Astronomy naturally integrates all STEM fields: from calculating the orbit of a planet to understanding the life cycle of stars. When students can experience the universe directly, they see science not as an abstract subject but as a human adventure they can be part of.
This isn’t outreach. It’s equity. It’s hope. And it’s how we pave a more inclusive scientific future - one star, one student, one community at a time.

Meet Dr. Thilina Heenatigala! Dr. Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is Assistant Professor and Director of Communications at ...
04/15/2026

Meet Dr. Thilina Heenatigala!

Dr. Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is Assistant Professor and Director of Communications at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo, Japan. His research explores the intersections of astrobiology, science, society, and culture, focusing on how science is communicated and shared with diverse publics globally.

Inspired by Mike Simmons’ vision, Thilina uses astronomy and science communication as a tool to educate, connect, and empower communities around the world. Astronomy for Equity celebrates his efforts to make science inclusive and inspiring for all.

The Sun became our classroom across Senegal ☀️🇸🇳Six secondary schools, university labs, and dedicated teachers — all exp...
04/12/2026

The Sun became our classroom across Senegal ☀️🇸🇳

Six secondary schools, university labs, and dedicated teachers — all exploring solar astronomy together. Students’ excitement says it all: science becomes powerful when it’s experienced.

Our program, Bright Futures, inspiring young minds across the world! 🌎

Mike Simmons, Founder & CEO. Mike Simmons is a lifelong amateur astronomer and global outreach pioneer with over 50 year...
04/09/2026

Mike Simmons, Founder & CEO.

Mike Simmons is a lifelong amateur astronomer and global outreach pioneer with over 50 years of experience sharing the night sky.

Beginning in the 1970s at Los Angeles Astronomical Society and Griffith Observatory, he went on to found the Mount Wilson Observatory Association to enhance public engagement with astronomy. He later established Astronomers Without Borders in 2006, uniting people worldwide through a shared passion for space and leading global initiatives like the 100 Hours of Astronomy, which reached over a million participants.

Now an Affiliate Research Scientist at Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, he also founded Astronomy for Equity to expand access to science in underserved communities. Mike has held key roles with leading organizations including DarkSky International and the International Astronomical Union, advancing equity and inclusion in astronomy worldwide. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards and even a minor planet named in his honor, his work exemplifies how astronomy can transcend borders and bring people together.

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