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LAHORE: An image of the Earth’s moon photographed by a Pakistani astronomer has been selected on the international website of Lunar Photo of the Day.
Veteran astronomer, Umair Asim photographed the spectacular details of the lunar landscape which was published on April 27, 2011. The image put Pakistan on the international level in the field of astrophotography.
The image shows details of the 236 km wide Sinus Iridium – a plain of basaltic lava – which has always attracted the attention of painters and photographers. Sinus Iridium is a Latin phrase for Bay of Rainbows.
A teacher by profession, Asim is a joint secretary and lifetime member of the Khwarizmi Science Society (KSS) – an organisation promotimg science and astronomy among the masses. He has also earned a Masters Degree in Astronomy.
With a rooftop observatory at his home in Lahore, Asim shoots spectacular images and videos of planets and other celestial objects despite heavy light pollution. He holds a 14 --- inch Celestron telescope with a couple of other aiding devices such as filters, optics, high-res CCD cameras and advance software.
Asim is an active part of KSS, which is a practical platform of science and especially astronomy awareness in the country. KSS organises a variety of events such as lectures, seminars, astronomy fairs for society, particularly for students and children.
The Khwarizmi Science Society is based in the Centre for Solid State Physics at the University of Lahore but its chapters are also active in major cities of Pakistan. Dr. Saadat Anwar Siddiqi is the President of KSS.
Further details of KSS can be seen at www.khwarizmi.org, and to explore more images from Asim, click on www.umairasim.com and to see his contribution at LPOD http://lpod.wikispaces.com/April+27%2C+2011.
