KATHMANDU: Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) and the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) have reached an agreement for a 15-year partnership in the related field.

Both astronomy communities have agreed to publicize and collaboratively implement four key areas in the field of astronomy. NASO Chair Suresh Bhattarai and PABD President Haji Mahadi bin Haji Tahir approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both astronomy communities virtually on Monday, August 16, 2021.

As per the agreement, the organizations will jointly implement data-driven science projects such as the Asteroid Search program and will establish coordinated communication networks in both countries, according to Dr Bhattarai.

It is said the MoU facilitates fundraising activities to support the implementation of the projects.

PABD and NASO will implement support astronomy development in both countries on other areas of mutual interest.

The collective efforts to be carried out under this MoU are expected to lead to a strong scientific community in the two countries; new scientific results and discoveries; capacity building through increased scientific interaction and training and joint projects etc. particularly in the field of astronomy.

The aim of the agreement is to bring together complementary resources, networks, and expertise to advance development through astronomy in both countries, it is said.