IYA2009 Update

28 August 2009

Website launch for Galilean Nights!

Preparations are well underway for the new IYA2009 Cornerstone project, Galilean Nights. Taking place between 22-24 October 2009, this initiative will see thousands of people around the world engaging in practical astronomy activities, bringing the wonders of the Universe to the public. Register your event on the website now: www.galileannights.org and for more information please visit http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/441/

Colombian astronomers enjoy successful starparty
A starparty held in Colombia has been celebrated as a great triumph. Held in the Tatacoa Desert, Observatorio Astronomico de la Tatacoa, during 17-20 July 2009, around 3000 astronomy enthusiasts and complete beginners enjoyed the spectacle. Read more here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/440/

Astronomical exhibition on tour during IYA2009
The International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA) have developed a travelling exhibition to tour a variety of venues during IYA2009. Called The Artists' Universe, it contains 31 astronomical artworks by 23 artists. Visitors will be introduced to the art and science of astronomy illustration, brought to life by the meticulous work of the artists. For more information, please visit: http://iaaa.org/exhibit/overview.html

Citizen Sky Invites Public to Help Resolve a Stellar Mystery
This autumn a bright star will begin a puzzling transformation that only happens every 27 years. To help study this event, astronomers have launched a new citizen science project called "Citizen Sky" at www.CitizenSky.org

Astronomy competition for children offers rare books as prizes
The European Space Agency (ESA) are celebrating IYA2009 and the Moon landing anniversary with a children's competition. Up for grabs are copies of Tintin's Moon cartoons, signed by an ESA astronaut. For more details, please visit the official competition website: http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMJI87CTWF_OurUniverse_0.html

Japanese IYA2009 song is a smash hit
IYA2009 is enjoying great success in Japan, in part due to popularisation campaigns such as astronomy book fairs, official movies, and even cakes. The idea was raised to supplement these with an IYA2009 song, and this has now come to fruition. Ginga was released on 10 June and became a hit, recording an impressive 22nd in the Oricon ranking. Ginga and the video are available to watch online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHkGZAOc9Ow

400 years of telescopes being used for outreach
25 August was an important day for IYA2009 as 400 years ago Galileo conducted the first astronomical outreach activity when he met with policy and law-makers from the Venetian Republic. He ushered them into the bell tower of St. Mark's Square, and then presented them with a telescope design which he himself had improved. Impressed with seeing objects such as ships from a great distance, they saw great potential in continuing work on this eight-powered telescope, and improving the design further. Galileo's salary was doubled and he was awarded life tenure at the University of Padua, an excellent reward. Read the full story here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/435/

The World at Night newsletter

See the latest developments: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/434/

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