Social Events — IAU Symposium 365

Welcome Reception (21 Aug 2023, 19:00-21:00, 2 hours) is included in the registration fee and is for all participants and accompanying persons. The participants will have opportunity to get together and enjoy Armenian sweets, fruits and drinks.
	Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) (23 Aug 2023, 16:00-22:00, 6 hours). 16,000 AMD, eq. 38.39 EUR. BAO is one of the most important astronomical centres of the region. Located at an altitude of 1405 m, it is recognized as Armenian National Value and IAU South West and Central Asian Regional Astronomical Centre (IAU SWCA ROAD). You will see the Observatory, get acquainted to its history, achievements, present statuses, visit its biggest telescopes (2.6m and the legendary 1m Schmidt), Viktor Ambartsumian’s house-museum, as well as the dinner at restaurant Ojakh in Byurakan is also included in the tour.
Conference Dinner (Banquet) (24 Aug 2023, 19:00-22:00, 3 hours). 18,000 AMD, eq. 43.19 EUR. The Conference Dinner will be organized in one of the Armenian national style restaurants (TBD asap) and will include typical national main dishes, salads, fruits, soft drinks and wine. No extra payments will be asked during the dinner. A Social Program is also planned (music and/or dances).
	Pre- and post- symposium tours to the Armenian religious centre Ejmiatzin and medieval church Zvartnots (20 and 26 Aug 2023, 10:00-16:00, 6 hours). 15,000 AMD, eq. 35.99 EUR. The excursion takes you to an old city Ejmiatzin (Vagharshapat), the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia in the II-IV centuries. Ejmiatzin is 20 km from Yerevan, in the Ararat Valley – the granary of Armenia. The Cathedral is Ejmiatzin’s main attraction. There are also churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and the ruins of the church Zvartnots (VII c., about 2 km from Ejmiatzin). Lunch at one of the Armenian National restaurants is also included.
	Pre- and post- symposium tours to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery (20 and 26 Aug 2023, 10:00-16:00, 6 hours). 15,000 AMD, eq. 35.99 EUR. The Sun Temple of Garni (1^st century A.D., built in the Roman style, very like the Greek Parthenon) is is 28 km from Yerevan. It was the summer residence of the Armenian kings. Near the Temple, down to the gorge you can see the junction of two rivers, Azat and Geghard. 6 km from Garni there is a fantastic sample of medieval Armenian architecture, the Geghard Cave Monastery (4^th century A.D.). Lunch at one of the Armenian National restaurants is also included.
	Pre- and post- symposium tours to Zorats Karer (Karahunge, the Armenian “Stonehenge”). (20 and 26 Aug 2023, 09:00-22:00, 13 hours). 25,000 AMD, eq. 59.98 EUR. Karahunge is an ancient megalithic monument located in the South of Armenia, Syunik Province at an altitude of 1170 m and consisted of stones making up a circle and wings. Some theories suggest that the shape is like the constellation Cygnus. Many of the stones have holes in the upper parts suggesting that they were made to observe and measure the positions of the celestial objects. The Armenian ancient calendar, which starts from 11 Aug 2492 B.C. may be another prove of the great astronomical interest of ancient Armenians. Lunch and dinner at the Armenian National restaurants are also included.
The transportation is included in all Social Events and professional guides will be accompanying all Social Tours. The rates are given in AMD and EUR equivalents are given for March 15 (exchange rate 1 EUR = 416.78 AMD) and may slightly change. As far as you make your booking and pay for the social events, LOC will accept EUR equivalent for the day of the payment. Deadlines: registration for Social Events opens on 16 April 2023 and closes on 31 July 2023. After that date, till the day of the given Social Event, LOC will still accept participation requests but upon availability of tickets. In all cases when you book your Social Events through LOC, the payments should be done to the same LOC bank account as registration fees, etc. through your personal account at IAU S365. Otherwise, cash payments at the registration desk will also be accepted.
Selection of Social Events will appear soon in your account.

Contacts:	iaus365@sinp.msu.ru (SOC)
	iaus365@aras.am (LOC)