In collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) International Summer School Office, New Horizon and EMU Astronomy Club, the EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics organized the 4th EMU Astronomy Summer Workshop on 11-12 August 2025 at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall and EMU Beach Club.

As part of EMU International Summer School, the 4th EMU Astronomy Workshop—organized with the support of Noyanlar Group of Companies, sponsor of the International Summer School and Internship Programs—was attended by students from grades 3 to 9 and above. On 11-12 August 2025, special presentations were held for students in grade 9 and above. The workshop opened on 11 August at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, with participation of EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Physics and Chemistry Department Chair Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı, faculty members, and students.

Following the opening, various presentations took place: “Powers of Universe and Cosmic Mysteries: Forces, Black Holes and Dark Matter” by EMU Department of Physics academic staff member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Halilsoy; “Life on Planets: An Astrobiology Journey” by EMU Department of Physics academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Huriye Gürel; “Neutron Stars and Life Cycle of Stars” by Dr. Mert Mangut; “Einstein and the Philosophy of Science” by Ufuk Balkan; “Radiosonde Balloon Measurements in Meteorology” by Sinem Karaköse; “Newton and the Secret of Ellipse” by Kayra Soykar; and “The Expansion of the Universe” by Gözde Soyel.

On 12 August 2025, online presentations featured Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Adak from Pamukkale University discussing “Gravitational Waves and Industry X.0”; Dr. Chantal Cappelletti from the University of Nottingham presenting “Introduction to CubeSats”; and Prof. Dr. Ekrem Aydıner from Princeton University on “The Fractal Universe.” At the same time, in-person sessions at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall included Prof. S. Habib Masharimousavi from EMU Mathematics Department with “Geometry and Spacetime,” Sedat İzcan presenting “Our Mission: Space – Applied CubeSat Design Workshop,” and Melisa Sultan Tokpınar with “Pandora of Darkness: The Invisible Empire of the Universe.”

“Explore the Universe in a Single Night”

As part of the 4th EMU Astronomy Workshop, students also took part in a telescope observation activity titled “Explore the Universe in a Single Night”. On 11 August 2025, students from grades 3–8 observed planets and stars through telescopes. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı, Chair of the Physics and Chemistry Departments at EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

At the end of the activity, Prof. Dr. Sakallı presented a gift to Yenal Öğmen on behalf of the New Horizon Initiative. All participating students will also receive e-certificates from EMU.