Urban Astronomy in the Philippines

Abstract

Astronomy in the Philippines is among the most interesting fields of study according to Filipino students. The science, however, suffers from neglect because most Philippine institutions of higher learning have campuses in urban areas. Common understanding dictates that satisfactory astronomical observations and studies can only be done at dark sites away from urban lights. This study aims to prove that astronomical work can be done even in light-polluted urban settings, and to convince educational policymakers to consider establishing observatories in urban campuses and to offer astronomy as a subject or major.