Authors: EPS Young Minds NKUA Section

On November 3rd, Young Minds NKUA organised the event “Decode The Universe”, an interactive event that brought together astrophysics, programming, and hands-on experimentation at the Department of Physics of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The event welcomed nearly 100 participants, reflecting the strong interest of students in computational astrophysics and modern data analysis.

The event was co-organised with City Lab Robotics and supported by the Department of Physics NKUA. It combined theoretical insight with practical engagement, aiming not only to inform but also to actively involve participants in the scientific process.

The programme began with a series of short talks οn robotics applications and data analysis methods used in exoplanet detection. Young Minds NKUA presented its mission and previous science communication projects, highlighting opportunities for student involvement. Dr. Kosmas Gazeas, astrophysicist and lecturer, welcomed participants and introduced the systems of the Gerostathopoulion Observatory.

The core of the event was a hands-on workshop where participants analysed real astronomical-style datasets. Using code based on the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and the Lomb–Scargle method, they calculated the orbital periods of exoplanets.

The event concluded with an interactive Kahoot quiz on physics and a live demonstration of the Observatory’s automated systems. Prizes were awarded to the top participants, further enhancing engagement and motivation.

Decode The Universe successfully combined theory, computational tools, and experiential learning. By immersing students in scientific techniques, the event strengthened their understanding of astrophysical data analysis while fostering enthusiasm for research and collaboration within the physics community.