IYA updates

14 May 2010

The International Decadal Survey of Amateur Astronomy and Astrophysics

The International Decadal Survey of Amateur Astronomy and Astrophysics 2012 will survey areas of astronomy and astrophysics, recommending priorities for the most important professional-amateur scientific and technical collaborations of the decade 2012-2021. http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/920/

Take a Virtual Walk on Moon

More than 37 years after humans last walked on the Moon, planetary scientists are inviting members of the public to return to the lunar surface as “virtual astronauts” to help answer important scientific questions. No spacesuit or rocket ship is required -- all visitors need to do is go to www.moonzoo.org and be among the first to see the lunar surface in unprecedented detail. New high-resolution images, taken by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), offer exciting clues to unveil or reveal the history of the Moon and our solar system. http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/919/

New Museum Galileo to open to the public in June

The Museo di Storia della Scienza (Museum of the History of Science) has undergone a two-year renovation involving a complete redesign of its exhibition areas and displays. Today, it reopens under the new name of Museo Galileo, the Galileo Museum. The event coincides with the 400th anniversary of Sidereus Nuncius—“the Starry Messenger”—the work published in March 1610 in which Galileo announced the sensational observations made with his telescope. The reopening also marks a fitting conclusion to the celebrations of the International Astronomy Year (2009), a U.N./UNESCO initiative specifically intended to commemorate the celestial discoveries of the scientist from Pisa (1609). http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/918/

ESA Summer workshop for secondary school teachers

The European Space Agency is providing many innovative and inspiring aids to teachers to enhance their curriculum with space related subjects. Now ESA is inviting educators to a summer workshop at its establishment in the Netherlands from 28 to 30 June 2010. More information: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESERO_Project/SEMLHF19Y8G_0.html

GEMINI School Observing Competition

In the UK Gemini School Observing Competition you will discover how you can enter this competition and stand a chance to win 1 hour of observing time on the Gemini South telescope, one of the world's largest telescopes! http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/916/

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