SGAC Cyprus

National Points of Contact Cyprus

Welcome to the national SGAC page of Cyprus. Here, you can find an overview on Cyprus’s space sector and some information regarding scientific organisations in Cyprus and their upcoming events.

There is a selection of events listed below, but if you would like to attend more of them, or become a member of any society, please use one of the links provided in the appropriate section to explore the organisations and meet the people involved in them.

For any questions you may have regarding the information given, or any help you may need in order to get in touch with scientific communities in Cyprus, please do not hesitate to contact the SGAC’s National Points of Contact of Cyprus.

Join our national mailing list to receive news about opportunities offered by the SGAC and stay updated on any events available across Cyprus, or open discussions with the other SGAC Cyprus members. To join the mailing list click on the button on the right of this page!

Overview of Activities in Cyprus

Cyprus is currently collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of ESA’s European Cooperating State Agreement which allows European countries to be indirectly involved in ESA activities.

In 2017, Cyprus became a member of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) which provides an additional opportunity to Cypriots to contribute in space-related research on an international level.

The capital of Cyprus has been established as the permanent venue for the meetings of the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN), as announced in October 2018. The meetings are set to take place every two years and be attended by scientists from all around the world who will focus on the study of Mars’s upper atmosphere.

In 2018, the Engineering Club of the Pascal English School Larnaka completed what they called ‘Mission: Odyssey’. Students designed, built, and launched a pico-satellite into the stratosphere and transmitted and received the recorded data live.

We would like to see even more people and young scientists become a part of the scientific network of Cyprus and the efforts to advance Cyprus’s national space sector on an international level. So come along! Join a society, expand your scientific knowledge, and help us make a difference.

A bit about the Kition Planetarium & Observatory:
Established in 2008, the Kition Planetarium & Observatory – based in Larnaca – offers a variety of presentations, events and workshops available in Greek, English and Russian. A visit to the Kition Planetarium & Observatory will also give you the chance to take a look into the universe through telescopes and admire a collection of fossils and mineral rocks at their museum. A selection of the projects the Kition Planetarium & Observatory is involved in, or coordinates, include the “Cosmic Light Reaches Cyprus 2016” and NASA’s “Radio JOVE Project”. Also offered are several courses like the “Read the Sky” course for beginners and “The Sky is Alive” course, both expanding over 4 sessions. Take a look at the official website and social media page (links provided below) and find out about some fascinating opportunities that will get you a step closer to the universe. People of all ages and educational backgrounds are welcomed.

A bit about the Cyprus Astronomy Organisation:
The Cyprus Astronomy Organisation (CAO) is a newly-established community based in Nicosia consisting of mainly amateur astronomers from diverse backgrounds aiming to inspire curiosity about the universe and provide educational opportunities to the citizens of Cyprus. Open to people of all ages and educational backgrounds, the CAO offers events to everybody who wants to explore this exciting hobby and enjoy plenty of star parties and observations. With stargazing being the main focus of this community, the CAO also acts as the ambassador of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) whose purpose is to preserve and protect the dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Keep an eye on the community’s website and social media page (links provided below) to keep up to date with any spontaneous and interesting opportunities that might arise.

A bit about the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation:
The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) was established by key international people in industry and academia with the primary mission to advance Cyprus as a prime sustainable space industry location. The CSEO promotes scientific research and development in the field of space exploration, enhances and actively develops the local space industry, and bridges the academic and industrial collaborations. It aims to lead to advancements in the high-tech industry and form collaborations with other space-faring nations in scientific, space, and planetary missions. The CSEO’s mission and vision is to galvanise the local talent into applied high-tech innovation and produce results that are of public benefit. For all announcements of events, refer to the organisation’s official website and social media page listed below.

A bit about the 1010 Asteroskopeion:
Situated in Old Nicosia, the 1010 Asteroskopeion opens its doors to all members of the public. Its mission is to introduce the field of astronomy to the people of Cyprus and create a large and active community of amateur astronomers across the island. Stargazing sessions and astronomy lectures are organised weekly providing a good mixture of education and entertainment. One level below the observatory, visitors can find the 1010Hall which is a multifunctional Art House. Here visitors can admire works of art or enjoy a lecture relevant to astronomy or astrophysics. For all updates and events, please refer to the organisation’s social medial page, provided below.

A bit about the International Dark-Sky Association – Cyprus Chapter:
In March 2017, the Cyprus Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) was officially established. The IDA Cyprus Chapter is maintained by the Cyprus Astronomy Organisation and works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. The team’s goals are to advocate for the protection of the night sky and educate the public and policy makers on the night sky conservation. Initiated by astronomers, it is an effort to cope with light pollution and intends to empower the public with tools and recourses to help protect the dark sky. For more information visit the organisation’s official website or social media page listed below.

A bit about the Science & Space Cafe:
Since its doors opened in 2015, the Science & Space Cafe in Nicosia has been organising events with the collaboration of scientific societies in Cyprus and welcoming guest speakers from every scientific area. Do not miss out and take a look at the cafe’s social page (link provided below) and mark on your calendars any planned events. You can expand your scientific knowledge while enjoying a coffee with friends in a cosy environment decorated just appropriately for science lovers.

A bit about the Columba-Hypatia: Astronomy for Peace project:
The Columba-Hypatia is an astronomy outreach project by GalileoMobile and the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research. The project was born out of a desire to use astronomy as a tool to promote meaningful communication between the various communities living in Cyprus, and to inspire a sense of global citizenship by looking beyond borders. The team is made up of professional astrophysicists, experts in astronomy, and experts in peace and education who carry out fun, educational workshops bringing together children and youths from the entirety of the island. To find more information on the project or upcoming astronomical events, please visit the project’s website and social media page (links provided below).

Country-specific events in 2023 and in previous years

6th European Space Generation Workshop, held in Limassol on April 9-10, 2022

“Open Cosmos seminar for Cyprus”, 17 March 2020:
The SGAC Cyprus invites you to attend the online “Open Cosmos seminar for Cyprus”. The seminar will take place on Tuesday 17 March 2020 between 18:00-19:00 EET. The guest speaker will be Lucille Baudet who will introduce the set of tools and products offered by Open Cosmos, an aerospace company. The seminar will be given in English, and is open to all individuals of all educational backgrounds.

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Cyprus

Astronomical Society of Limassol: official website & social media page

Columba-Hypatia: Astronomy for Peace project: official website & social media page

Cyprus Astronomy Organisation: official website & social media page

Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation: official website & social medial page

House of Science: social media page

International Dark-Sky Association – Cyprus Chapter: official website & social media page

Kition Planetarium & Observatory: official website & social media page

Paphos Astronomy Club: social media page

Pascal English School Larnaka (PESL) Engineering Club: social media page

Science & Space Café: social media page

1010 Asteroskopeion: social media page