This article aims to reflect on research trends on non-formal education in astronomy through the analysis of national scientific events. In this state-of-the-art research, we use content analysis by Laurence Bardin and identify 328 papers presented in oral and panel communications. | Non-formal Astronomy Education in Brazil Analysis of works published in national scientific events Technium Social Sciences Journal Vol. 3 37-50 February 2020 ISSN 2668-7798 Non-formal Astronomy Education in Brazil Analysis of works published in national scientific events Leandro Donizete Moraes Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul Brazil leandrosta2009@ Ismar Frango Silveira Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul Brazil Abstract. This article aims to reflect on research trends on non-formal education in astronomy through the analysis of national scientific events. In this state-of-the-art research we use content analysis by Laurence Bardin and identify 328 papers presented in oral and panel communications. We analyzed this sample through five categories of analysis Scientific Event Year of publication Region Institution and Thematic Focus. Among the trends research was presented in non-formal spaces the use of technology and the approximation between formal and non-formal education through activities such as sky observations. As for the challenges we identified few studies from the North Northeast and Midwest. In addition the history of indigenous cultural and amateur astronomy inclusion and astronomy is lacking research showing that the area is still diffuse and needs closer ties between its various actors. Keywords. Astronomy education State of art Non-formal education Introduction The relentless pursuit of understanding celestial phenomena and the origin evolution and destiny of the universe make astronomy one of the most captivating and emblematic sciences. Curiosity and motivation for astronomical studies have led to various scientific theories and technological advances placing astronomy among the most important sciences for human development. Even with this importance we observe several problems in the teaching of astronomy inside and outside our schools. Langhi 2011 for example analyzed several alternative conceptions about astronomical
