IYA2009 Update

15 May 2009

There are many incredible events occurring during the International Year of Astronomy 2009, but this week in particular has seen a flurry of high-profile astronomy stories! These include the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, Kepler beginning its search for Earth-like extrasolar planets, and the launch of missions Herschel and Planck. For more information, visit: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/280/. Particularly noteworthy is the Ariane 5 rocket which lifted Herschel and Planck, as it proudly displayed the IYA2009 logo. For details, see http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/278/

ESA announces workshop for science teachers
The European Space Agency invites teachers of science at secondary school to register to attend a Galileo Teacher Training Program Workshop to be held at the NEMO Science Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 29 June to 1 July 2009. A limited number of places are available for this hands-on workshop. Registration closes on 25 May 2009. All relevant information can be found here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/275/

IYA2009-themed phone cards available in Slovenia
Telekom Slovenije d.d. has released a series of six astronomical phone cards to celebrate IYA2009. Designed by Borut Beri?, they feature stunning images, including the famous Whirlpool Galaxy. A gallery of the cards is available here: http://www.telekom.si/en/private_users/telephony/telecards/gallery/

New website for a PBS Television Special offers educational resources on telescopes and astronomy
A new website, accompanying the IYA2009 Special Project and PBS television special "400 Years of the Telescope," offers background information, classroom and family activities, and practical tips for everyone who is teaching about the development of telescopes, the history of astronomy, or the exploration of the Universe. You are invited to discover its features at: http://www.pbs.org/soptv/400years/

The World At Night updates
TWAN in Turin: http://www.twanight.org/newTWAN/news.asp?newsID=6026
TWAN in Mississippi: http://www.twanight.org/newTWAN/news_photo.asp?newsID=6027

New planetarium show: We are Astronomers
We are Astronomers is an exciting new 360° Fulldome digital planetarium show launching 23 May 2009 simultaneously in seven planetariums across the UK. The show is being produced by NSC Creative with input from UK astronomers. It is funded by STFC, the Science and Technologies Facilities Council. It will be showing in the following planetariums: Armagh Planetarium (Northern Ireland), Centre For Life (Newcastle), INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium (Winchester), National Space Centre (Leicester), Our Dynamic Earth (Edinburgh), Royal Observatory Greenwich (London, and Spaceport (Liverpool). More information: http://weareastronomers.com/

View all Updates