Istanbul to host global space research event

By Goksel Yildirim

ANKARA (AA) – Istanbul is set to host one of the world’s largest science events between July and August with the attendance of nearly 3,000 scientists from 60 different countries, organizers behind the event have said.

"We expect 2,500-3000 scientists to participate at the 41st Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly, which will be held between July 30 and August 7 at the Istanbul Congress Center," Director of the TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute Lokman Kuzu told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

Established in 1985, the TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute is one of the research and development units of TUBITAK, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey.

"There will be a lot of firsts at COSPAR this year. Therefore we are excited," Kuzu said, adding that the event would be witnessing the announcement of the initial results of the observation on gravitational waves, which were first spotted in February.

Gravitational waves are ripples sent through the universe following the collision of two black holes about 1.3 billion years ago.

"The European Space Agency’s Rosetta space probe findings and articles will also be published at the COSPAR, in addition to other space projects," Kuzu said.

Kuzu said the organization would also contribute to increasing space awareness among the public in addition to creating cooperation opportunities for researches from different countries around the world.

There will be three events geared towards the public, including teachers and students, Kuzu said, adding that one of these would be a public session on August 3, titled "Deep Space Missions".

Another event will be the Students Day on July 30, during which students will be able to meet experts in the field of space research.

There will also be a workshop for science, physics and astronomy teachers at primary and secondary schools.

The conference will discuss the earth's surface, meteorology, climate, the atmospheres of other planets, space weather, the solar system and planets, space science and technology, material science in space, life in space, and physics in space.

COSPAR was established by the International Council for Science in 1958. The Assembly organizes conferences to increase the sharing of information to contribute to scientific research in the field of space.

TUBITAK became a member of the assembly in 1996.

The congress is held every two years in different countries.

*Anadolu Agency Correspondent Hale Turkes contributed to this story from Ankara.