Closer to the stars: Starmus at SMART

The Starmus VI Festival of science and art was hosted for a day at the COAF SMART Center in Debet Village, Lori Province. Five speakers – world-famous scientists and Nobel Prize winners –  delivered lectures about space, astrophysics and engineering to an audience of SMARTians and guests. The central theme was Mars, as the Festival was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Mars.

While some groups of students took turns to attend the lectures, the rest toured the expo, which featured various products made in Lori.

Stars appeared on the stage and in the sky as soon as it got dark. Fans of rock music enjoyed the concert, while the children gazed at the stars and planets with telescopes.

“The sky is a wonderful thing, but who bothers to look up?” – COAF Managing Director Korioun Khatchadourian welcomed guests to the Festival with these words by Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan.

Astrophysicist and Nobel Prize laureate Michel Mayor was one of the speakers.

The universe fascinates everyone.

Professor Scott Hubbard of Stanford University was the first director of the Mars program at NASA. Can you imagine how much he knows about Mars?

The kids had tons of questions for NASA engineer Arbi Karapetian. They were interested in the exploration of Mars and the results of the Curiosity rover in particular.

STARMUS guests soaking up Lori’s autumn sun at the COAF SMART Campus.

SMARTians checking out the handmade work of local producers and artisans at the expo.

Made in Amrakits village.

Learning about rafting safety rules.

There was no lack of stars in the sky or on stage at STARMUS.

The musicians taking turns enjoying each other’s performances.

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Rozen Tal rocked the stage!

The stage is Dogma’s.

When your favorite band is performing on stage.

If you ever end up on stage with Manizha, your name could quickly change from Van to Vanya (song title).

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