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Educational Programs and Projects from 2013 to 2023

The majority of the Zagreb Observatory’s activities are tied to educational programs and projects. This is understandable since astronomy is not a regular school subject, making the Observatory a gathering place for young people interested in astronomy. The astronomy course programs are tailored to different age groups and participants with varying levels of prior knowledge and interests. Unfortunately, during the pandemic years of 2020–2022, it was not possible to hold these programs, but new cycles of the general course began in 2023.

General Astronomy Course

The general astronomy course was regularly held on Tuesday evenings (from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM). The primary goal of the course is to spark participants’ interest in astronomy and related natural and technical sciences. The lectures are popular-scientific in nature and accompanied by engaging presentations of astronomical content. Courses and invited lectures were also held in elementary and high schools in Zagreb and other suitable venues as needed. On average, 30 lectures and several field observations were held annually for participants, with around 80 participants per year. The course leaders were Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Dr. Dragan Roša.

Advanced Astronomy Course

The advanced astronomy course is intended for students who wish to explore astronomical content and research methods in greater detail. Participants are primarily students preparing for competitions and the International Astronomy Olympiad. This course was held continuously until 2020 during the academic year on Thursday evenings (from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM). Typically, there were about ten participants annually, mostly students who achieved the best results in astronomy and physics competitions. The course leader was Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.

Beginner Astronomy Courses

Beginner astronomy courses were organized in cycles, usually several times a year, each lasting about two months. They were held on Friday evenings (from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM). These courses were designed for the youngest participants and beginners without prior knowledge of natural sciences. On average, there were about 50 participants per course cycle. The program was conducted by Dora Premor and Uroš Todorović Mikšaj (members of the Astronomical-Astronautical Society “Zagreb”).

Astronomy Workshops (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn)

These workshops were held until 2019. Each workshop lasted three days, from 10 AM to 12 PM, and took place during school holidays with a limited number of participants (up to 20 per workshop). The workshops were aimed at elementary school students (grades 2–8), with an emphasis on learning astronomy through the creation of models of various celestial bodies. The workshop leaders were Višnja Srdelić, Prof. (external collaborator and member of the Technical Culture Association “Dr. Oton Kučera”) and Gustav Kren.

Astronomy Summer School

The Astronomy Summer School is intended for students from the 5th grade of elementary school who are interested in astronomy. It was held during July in Josipdol (until 2018) and in Petehovac (from 2019). Students are divided into groups (e.g., for meteors, planets, variable stars, the Sun, astrophysical exercises, etc.) of about five students each, working with their leader according to a special program. In addition to group work, they attend daily lectures on general astronomy and invited speakers. In the evenings, they have the opportunity to observe celestial bodies through a telescope. The appendix lists the Astronomy Summer Schools held (with the names of leaders and lecturers). On average, 20–30 students and ten leaders and lecturers participated annually.

List of Astronomy Summer Schools Held (with Names of Leaders and Lecturers) from 2013 to 2023:

  • XLV. Astronomy Summer School
    Josipdol, July 14–21, 2014
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić and Dr. Dragan Roša
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Teachers and Educators), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Maja Gaščić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Mile Karlica, B.Sc. Eng. (Olympiad Group)
    Lecturers: Dr. Dragan Roša, Mile Karlica, B.Sc. Eng., Mateja Dumbović, B.Sc. Eng., Dr. Davor Horvatić, Marko Šimac, B.Sc. Eng., and Ogren Variola, Prof.
  • XLVI. Astronomy Summer School
    Josipdol, July 13–20, 2015
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Olympiad Group), Ivan Orehovec (Astrophysical Exercises), Krunoslav Horvatić and Zdravko Balen (Radio Telescope)
    Lecturers: Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Darije Maričić, Marko Horvat, Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • XLVII. Astronomy Summer School
    Josipdol, July 18–25, 2016
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., and Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Olympiad Group)
    Lecturers: Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Mateja Dumbović, Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • XLVIII. Astronomy Summer School
    Josipdol, July 12–19, 2017
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Krunoslav Horvatić, Marko Šimac, M.Sc. Chem., Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • XLIX. Astronomy Summer School
    Josipdol, July 15–22, 2018
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Vibor Jelić, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Ante Radonić, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • L. Astronomy Summer School
    Petehovac, July 15–22, 2019
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Vibor Jelić, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Ante Radonić, Dr. Saša Mićanović, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • LI. Astronomy Summer School
    Petehovac, July 13–20, 2020
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Lovro Pavletić, B.Sc. Eng., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Vibor Jelić, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Dr. Tomislav Jurkić, Dr. Ivana Poljančić Beljan, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • LII. Astronomy Summer School
    Petehovac, July 19–26, 2021
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Mateo Paluišić, M.Sc. Phys., Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Vibor Jelić, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Dr. Tomislav Jurkić, Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ., Dr. Ivana Poljančić Beljan, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Dr. Saša Mićanović, Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • LIII. Astronomy Summer School
    Petehovac, July 11–18, 2022
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises)
    Lecturers: Ante Radonić, Krunoslav Horvatić, Dr. Dalibor Paar, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Dr. Tomislav Jurkić, Dr. Ivana Poljančić Beljan, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr., Dr. Darije Maričić, Marko Šimac, M.Sc. Prim. Chem., and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • LIV. Astronomy Summer School
    Petehovac, July 9–16, 2023
    Leaders: Dr. Darije Maričić, Dr. Dragan Roša, and Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
    Group leaders: Snježana Horvatić, Prof. (Youngest Group), Ivana Matić, Prof. (Astronomy Workshop), Željka Ruščić, Prof. (Meteors and Variable Stars), Filip Šterc, M.Sc. Geogr. (Sun and Planets), Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Astronomy Exercises), Krunoslav Horvatić, B.Sc. Eng. (SID Monitor Construction)
    Lecturers: Ante Radonić, Dr. Dalibor Paar, Dr. Silvije Vdović, Dr. Ivana Poljančić Beljan, Dr. Davor Horvatić, Dr. Mateo Paulišić, Dr. Andrej Dundović, Zvonimir Drvar, M.Sc. Geol., M.Sc. Educ. Geogr., and Lovro Pavletić, M.Sc. Phys.

Seminars and Professional Conferences

Over the past decade, several seminars and professional and scientific conferences have been held at the Observatory, and its staff have participated as lecturers at some events held outside the Observatory. The list is provided below (if no location is specified, the event was held at the Observatory). Additionally, the Observatory has collaborated on and supported various European projects, such as the “BAIka” project led by IX. Gymnasium and XI. Gymnasium in Zagreb (2016), the introduction of astronomy programs at Telašćica Nature Park (2022), the observatory project in Slavonski Brod (2023), and the astronomy teaching project at Lučko Elementary School.

Collaboration with Schools and Universities

The Observatory has continuously collaborated with schools and universities, providing permanent consultations with teachers, assisting students in preparing works for astronomy competitions, supporting societies and school astronomy groups in their establishment, organizing field observations, and exhibitions.

International Astronomy Olympiad (IOAA)

From 2013 to 2023, the Observatory continued to implement the International Astronomy Olympiad (IOAA) program. Due to an administrative decision by the Ministry of Science and Education that only professional associations could be program holders, the Croatian Astronomical Society became the main holder from 2020, while the implementation remained under the Observatory’s responsibility. In addition to selecting team members and attending the Olympiad, to better prepare students, so-called “Mini-Olympiads” were organized in collaboration with colleagues from Hungary and Slovenia starting in 2015, simulating conditions similar to those at the IOAA. In some years, teams from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, and Serbia also participated, further raising the quality. In Croatia, the Mini-Olympiad was organized in 2017 and 2023. Due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, all activities related to this program were conducted at the Observatory, including writing and correcting tests. The International Astronomy Olympiad program promotes international cooperation in education, and the appendix lists the basic data on the participation and achievements of Croatian students in strong international competition. The program is co-financed by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb’s Office for Education, Culture, and Sports.

List of International Astronomy Olympiads in which Croatian students participated, organized (co-organized) by the Observatory from 2013 to 2023:

  • VIII. IOAA
    Suceava, Romania, August 1–10, 2014
    Team members: Fran Ivan Vrban, Ivan Orehovec, Stella Vješnica, Toni Kodžoman, Karlo Šerbetar
    Leaders: Mile Karlica, B.Sc. Eng., and Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.
    Ivan Orehovec received an honorable mention.
  • IX. IOAA
    Magelang, Indonesia, July 26–August 4, 2015
    Team members: Lovorka Gajović, Marin Ivanković, Bruno Iljazović, Karlo Šerbetar, Stella Vješnica
    Leaders: Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc., and Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.
    Bruno Iljazović received an honorable mention.
  • X. IOAA
    Bhubaneswar, India, December 9–19, 2016
    Team members: Rino Čala, Lovorka Gajović, Kim Janovski, Ilija Srpak, Grgur Palle
    Leaders: Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc., and Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.
    Ilija Srpak won a bronze medal, and Lovorka Gajović received an honorable mention.
  • XI. IOAA
    Phuket, Thailand, November 12–21, 2017
    Team members: Josip Jerolim Banović, Rino Čala, Kim Janovski, Filip Marijanović, Ilija Srpak
    Leaders: Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc., and Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.
    Ilija Srpak won a bronze medal.
  • XII. IOAA
    Beijing, China, November 3–12, 2018
    Team members: Petra Brčić, Neva Dobrić, Marija Kosić, Patrik Kukić, Domagoj Perković
    Leaders: Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc., and Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.
    Domagoj Perković received an honorable mention.
  • XIII. IOAA
    Keszthely/Heviz

 

 

XIII. IOAA

Held from August 2 to 10, 2019, in Keszthely/Heviz, Hungary
Team members:

  • Marin Belamarić, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Neva Dobrić, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Bernard Faulend, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Marta Kunštić, 2nd grade, “Fran Galović” Gymnasium, Koprivnica
  • David Matej Vnuk, 2nd grade, “Matija Antun Reljković” Gymnasium, Vinkovci

Leaders:

  • Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.

Achievements:

  • Bernard Faulend received an honorable mention.
  • David Matej Vnuk was part of an international team that secured 2nd place overall.

1st GeCAA (Global e-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics)

Held online from September 25 to October 23, 2020, replacing the XIV. IOAA, which was originally scheduled to take place in Bogotá, Colombia. Croatian students took the tests at the Zagreb Observatory.

Team members:

  • Marta Kunštić, 3rd grade, “Fran Galović” Gymnasium, Koprivnica
  • Vladimir Pezo, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Petra Randić, 2nd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Marko Srpak, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • David Matej Vnuk, 3rd grade, “Matija Antun Reljković” Gymnasium, Vinkovci

Leaders:

  • Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.

Achievements:

  • Marta Kunštić received an honorable mention.
  • In the team competition, Petra Randić was part of a team that secured 2nd place, while Marta Kunštić, Vladimir Pezo, Marko Srpak, and David Matej Vnuk were part of teams that received honorable mentions.

XIV. IOAA

Held online from November 14 to 21, 2021. The host country was Colombia, and Croatian students took the tests at the Zagreb Observatory.

Team members:

  • Petar Dušević, 3rd grade, “Andrija Mohorovičić” Gymnasium, Rijeka
  • Marko Ercegović, 2nd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Amalija Rafaj Škriljevečki, 3rd grade, First Gymnasium, Varaždin
  • Petra Randić, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Barbara Sole, 3rd grade, V. Gymnasium, Zagreb

Leaders and technical support:

  • Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc. (Leader)
  • Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng. (Leader)
  • Alan Jadanić (Technical Leader)
  • Ana-Marija Boljkovac (Technical Leader)
  • Darije Maričić, Ph.D. (Technical Leader)
  • Filip Šterc (Technical Leader)

Achievements:

  • Amalija Rafaj Škriljevečki won a bronze medal.

XV. IOAA

Held from August 14 to 22, 2022. The hosts were Ukraine and Georgia, and the competition took place in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Team members:

  • Marko Ercegović, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Barbara Mustapić, 3rd grade, “Vladimir Prelog” Natural Sciences Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Borna Perković, 3rd grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Amalija Rafaj Škriljevečki, 4th grade, First Gymnasium, Varaždin
  • David Vodopija, 4th grade, V. Gymnasium, Rijeka

Leaders:

  • Stefan Cikota, Ph.D.
  • Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.

Achievements:

  • Borna Perković won a bronze medal.

XVI. IOAA

Held from August 10 to 20, 2023, in Chorzów, Poland.

Team members:

  • Marko Ercegović, 4th grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Mihael Lovrić, 3rd grade, “Matija Mesić” Gymnasium, Slavonski Brod
  • Barbara Mustapić, 4th grade, “Vladimir Prelog” Natural Sciences Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Vid Krešimir Pavčnik, 3rd grade, “Vladimir Prelog” Natural Sciences Gymnasium, Zagreb
  • Viktor Vuković, 4th grade, XV. Gymnasium, Zagreb

Leaders:

  • Ivan Romštajn, M.Sc.
  • Damir Hržina, B.Sc. Eng.

Achievements:

  • Viktor Vuković won a bronze medal.
  • Barbara Mustapić received an honorable mention.

These competitions highlight the dedication and talent of Croatian students in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as the strong support provided by the Zagreb Observatory and its team of leaders and collaborators.