IYA2009 Updates

1st GTTP for Portuguese Speaking African Countries

12 April 2010

The Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) team in Portugal, still in the scope of IYA2009 national plan of activities and with the support of Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian has promoted the first GTTP training session for Portuguese speaking African countries (PALOP is the acronym in Portuguese). The session had six participants from: Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and São Tomé and Prince. The Portuguese team was composed by astrophysicists and Galileo Teachers (GT). During one week the group had the opportunity to be exposed to several different types of tools and resources starting from the very simple ones, with very simple material ending with a robotic telescope observing session.

The session had several different ingredients. The mornings started with a Basic Introduction to Astronomy. During the afternoons they learned to build spectroscopes, Galileoscopes and other non-technological hands-on activities, a selected sample from the Portuguese GHOU team materials, UNAWE, etc. An introduction to telescopes and observing sessions took place (solar and night sky).

They also learned to use astronomical software like Stellarium and Celestia, they were introduced to the International Asteroid Search Campaign, had a brief introduction to Google Earth, presented by one of the participants from Angola, Gilberto Machado.

The week ended with an introduction to Salsa J, the GHOU (Global Hands-on Universe) image processing software, were they learned to create their own astronomical colour images and finalised the training by observing using robotic telescopes.

Besides the opportunity to be exposed to new methods for science teaching the participants had the opportunity to share with the Galileo Teachers (GT) their ideas and experiences. Maria José Calado, one of the GT used the opportunity to share with everyone her concerns. She works with a very complicated group of kids, many of them coming from the participants' countries, unprepared and not motivated to study. A strategy to reach these students was outlined and several interviews with the participants were made in order to try to make her kids realise the once in a lifetime opportunity they are wasting. One of the participants from Angola, Efraim Soma, shared, in a recorded video, his struggle in order to be educated. The same education Maria José kids are throwing away for not being interested or perhaps for not having the needed awareness of the privilege they have. A programme devoted to foster communication between kids from the two continents will follow.

The participant nations showed different types of needs. Efraim and Nadia Bruno (Mozambique) manifested the need to have materials to be handed to teachers they are going to train. Materials such as astronomy books, posters, etc. The Portuguese team, Efraim and Nadia will collaborate to obtain and develop such materials and try to find the needed sponsorship to produce and send it were it can make the difference. This is a big challenge ahead of us, one worth fighting for. Nadia shared with us stories of kids having classes under trees, their regular classroom, not bad if you like fresh air, but try this during rainy days or with cold weather.

In Cape Verde there are no astronomers, so Adilson Semedo is engaged in reversing this situation. He trusts GTTP will be an important ally in starting building the community by preparing teachers and motivating students to start pursuing this path. The same view is shared by Manuel Penhor, the participant from São Tomé, he trusts that with its multiplier effect GTTP can help create the needed skills in teachers and foster the desired inspiration in students to take careers in science. There was an important presence in the media were the participants had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Portuguese news agency “Agência Lusa”. They hope this good visibility to their visit to Portugal will help them start or continue conversations with their local authorities.

Another important outcome of this meeting, in the words of Claudio Moisés, another participant from Mozambique, was the possibility of meeting other nations' representatives face to face. They decided not to let go this moment and to work quickly and steadily to create an association to strongly represent the PALOP in the world of astronomy. All PALOP lack an astronomy community and they see in Astronomy Education a clear path to engage new generations in pursuing this path and hope to work with their local authorities in order to create the needed conditions to foster the birth of a strong community. They all see GTTP and the Portuguese team as strong allies in this journey. They left Portugal with a promise of continuing the effort in their nations and left behind a legion of future supporters of their quest.

There Is Another Way To Light Up The Nightswitch On The Stars!

12 April 2010

April 20th 2010 is the date when the Declaration in Defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight will be promoted, as every year since 2007, at all levels, by municipalities, governments organizations, NGOs, citizens associations and also individuals.

On April 20th, 2007 during the first International Starlight Conference, supported by IAC, UNESCO, IAU,UN-WTO, MaB, SCBD and CMs, it was agreed to promote annually the World Night in Defence of the Starlight as part of our cultural, scientific and environmental heritage. Every year on this date we remind ourselves of the need to preserve our right to view a dark night sky full of stars and to take steps to prevent its disappearance. This year, World Night in Defence of the Starlight falls within Astronomy Week 2010.

A whole range of organizations have unified their efforts and activities this year in April to raise awareness about defending our starry skies all over the planet.

The World Night on April 20th is an opportunity to get actively involved in many ways:

Organize events and ceremonies for the adoption of the Starlight Declaration.
Claim and propose visitable places for observation, as well as parks and destinations under the stars.
Promote public statements aimed to recover the vision of starry skies and limit light pollution.
Switch-off unnecessary lights at night to recover the vision of stars, and at the same time save energy and slow down climate change.
Organize artistic events or competitions on themes related with the vision of starry skies.
Offer night sky viewing through telescopes.
Provide media coverage and public talks by scientists, experts, and dark skies advocates related with all dimensions of the night sky.
Promote the identification of local dark areas that warrant protection. Advocate for local dark sky ordinances.
And last, but not least, organize events in which children can participate. Our capacity to maintain the right to observe stars is in their hands; it should be the right of future generations.

JOIN THE WORLD NIGHT ...>

Star of GAM2010 Enters Spotlight

12 April 2010

Global Astronomy Month had to have its own VIP star endorsing the event. We went big and invited the best-known star of all time, the closest star to us in the entire Universe - the Sun!

April 11 is a big day for the Sun as it comes under the spotlight during Sun Day! The day also marks the beginning of an entire week dedicated to our star - Solar Week - when astronomers around the world celebrate the Sun by observing it through telescopes with protective filters, participating in virtual observing sessions or making presentations explaining all about the Sun: what it is, how it affects us, the activity we see, and so on.

You are invited to bring out your telescope all day on April 11 to observe the Sun and share the experience with your friends! If weather in your area is not so suitable, switch on your computer, log onto the Internet, and join our online, remote observing session to get a close-up of our closest star. Meet other friends online and share your thoughts with them. You may see the Sun as never before. The Virtual Telescope starts the observing session at 12:30 UT on April 11.

See the Solar Programs section of the web site for more information.

The fourth phase of 30 Nights of StarPeace

12 April 2010

The fourth phase of 30 Nights of StarPeace brings together Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey and Zambia

Countries from 0-36 degrees East have responded to the StarPeace call. Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania (seven groups), Ukraine (two groups), Turkey and Zambia are organizing star parties, observing sessions for the public, conferences, workshops, a TV show and a meeting on Twitter at #StarPeace!

The Sofia Astronomical Association is holding observing sessions for the public in front of the National Theatre on 10-12 April near the famous From Earth to The Universe exhibition.

Across the Danube to the north Romania participates in StarPeace with groups from all the four cardinal points. In the south, members of Astroclub Bucharest are taking their telescopes to a star party. Their friends from Urania Astronomical Association are holding events for the public on 10-11 April. They'll provide solar observing between 10:00 and 14:00 in Tineretului Park, and from 18:00 until midnight there will be presentations and observations from the Astronomical Observatory at "Palatul National al Copiilor".

To the southwest, the Romanian Astronomical Association of Meteors (SARM) based in Targoviste is broadcasting a local TV program called "We and the sky" with a special edition dedicated to StarPeace. Beginning at 17:00 they'll have presentations and observing for the public at "Casa Tineretului", and an exhibition created in collaboration with StarFriends in the Netherlands.

In Gorj County, SARM Gorj will have a tent set up in the city center of Bumbesti-Jiu on April 10 and Targu Jiu on 11 April where observations of the planets and deep sky objects will be made.

In the west, the Romanian Academy, Astroclub Antares, The Astronomical Observatory in Timisoara and The Romanian Space Agency are organizing a series of presentations in Timisoara beginning at 19:00 on Sunday.

SARM Sighet is organizing a starparty northern Romania the night of 11/12 April, while to the east, members of Astroclub Lyra from SARM Iasi are taking their telescopes to the city square and inviting everyone to observe the planets and deep sky objects with them on April 12 from 21:00 on.

In Romania's neighbor to the north, Ukraine, two groups are also participating in StarPeace. On April 10 Astronomy Club AstroNik from the city of Nicolaev holds a seminar on amateur astronomy followed by observations of deep sky objects. At the same time, The Altair Astronomy Club in Zaporozhye is organizing a star party 30 km south of the city.

But events do not end there in this very active region. Anonymus Astronomy Club in Croatia is organizing observing sessions in the city square of Valpovo on April 10, between 20:00 and 23:00.

Turkey joins in with another public observing session, the first for this phase of 30 Nights of StarPeace. On the night of 9 to 10 April members of ASTER Astronomy Club held an event at the Observatory from the Erciyes University in Kayseri.

This phase of the circumglobal StarPeace project comes to a close with an event by Prospery C. Simpemba and Astronomers Without Borders Zambia - a stargazing session for family, friends and community members of the G-Section.

More information: http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/index.php/projects/global-astronomy-month.html

Astronomy Mag. announces 2009 Out-of-this-World Award winner!

8 April 2010

Amid nearly 30 submissions from 20 states and four other countries, the Amateur Observers' Society of New York wins Astronomy's contest to celebrate astronomy outreach programs.

GAM Newsletter

8 April 2010

Citizen Sky

Would you like to be part of a scientific project? Citizen Sky is the answer. See the Citizen Sky web site for information on this worldwide project to monitor solve the 175-year mystery of the star epsilon Aurigae. Then join us in an introductory chat session on Friday, April 9 starting at 16 UT to learn how to take part. It's a special session for GAM and Astronomers Without Borders Affiliates that will answer questions about Citizen Sky, Astronomers without Borders, epsilon Aurigae, and maybe a bit about astronomy in general.

Happening now

GAM Trailer released

The GAM trailer -- 2-1/2 minutes of astronomy around the world accompanied by music -- has been released. You can view the trailer on the GAM Broadcast page and download it in high-definition (720p) on the GAM Resources page.

International Dark Sky Week

From April 4 through April 10, 2010, International Dark Sky Week celebrates the heritage of the nighttime sky by encouraging people to turn off unnecessary lights. The event began in 2003 as National Dark-Sky Week in the United States and officially became international in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy. The key to success is the broadest possible participation.

Here are some suggestions for participating in International Dark Sky Week:

Turn out your outdoor lights during the week whenever it is safe to do so.
Light only when and where needed.
Encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.
Change lights to a more energy-efficient type and install shielded fixtures where possible.
Look for nearby star parties or events at a local observatory during the week where you can promote dark skies awareness.

For more information visit the International Dark Sky Week web site. Also see other GAM Dark Sky Global Programs.

"Revenge of the Nerds" meets "American Idol"
Online Voting Opens for the Spirit of Innovation Awards

From Monday, March 29th through April 9th, YOU have the opportunity to vote for your favorite high school innovators! 24 of the top high school teams have been designing the future. Its not science fiction. Its where education meets innovation and entrepreneurship. Its where real science gets real. Teams have created innovative products to solve some of the grand challenges facing society. From rural water collection devices, to robotic astronaut assistants. From Satellite attitude-control systems to Navajo Solar Frybread Ovens. These students will rock your world! Now, they need YOU to help select the winners of the Spirit of Innovation Awards by voting online for your favorite teams. Finalists have created videos, blogs, photos and more to show off their products. From March 29 to April 9, you can help a generation of 21st century innovators change the world, one vote at a time. Check out www.conradawards.org for information on the teams, their products, and to submit your vote. When you vote, be sure to select Astronomers Without Borders as your affiliate.

Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) Observations Reporting Scheme

Initiated during 2009 under the framework of the International Year of Astronomy, the Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) Observations Reporting Scheme is aimed at facilitating the collection of UAP reports from both amateur and professional astronomers, via a questionnaire to be downloaded from a dedicated website. For information on the project, its aims and how you can submit a report see the UAP project page on the GAM web site.

So far in GAM

The Members Blog for 3 April talks about three GAM opening events and an upcoming 24-hour observing marathon.

Oana Sandu's blog post tells us "How to share your events using GAM resources" with four steps to follow.

Winners of the International Earth and Sky Photo Contest on Dark Skies Importance have been announced by The World At Night (TWAN) and Dark Skies Awareness. Entries the night sky set against the horizon with backdrop of a notable location or landmark. About 200 entries were received from over 30 countries.

An interview with AWB President Mike Simmons is featured on the current broadcast of Planetary Radio, a weekly program by the Planetary Society. Mike explains how everyone can take part in GAM.

GAM events are scheduled throughout the United States by NASA's Night Sky Network. See Night Ssky Network's calendar of events for details.

Other Announcements

GAM Picture of the Day
Have you got a great photo of your GAM event? Send it to gampod@gam-awb.org and we may choose it for the GAM Picture of the Day. Be sure to tell us who is in the photo, what's happening, where it is and when the photo was taken. And check out all the GAMPODs so far!

GAM logo translations available
The GAM logo is now available in 13 languages and more are being added. For a GAM logo in your language send the translated text to info@gam-awb.org.

Global Astronomy Month Trailer

7 April 2010

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlBebeXcIUQ

More information: http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/index.php/projects/global-astronomy-month.html

“30 Nights of StarPeace” Moves West

6 April 2010

India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan Join the Celebration as the Event Arrives at 72-108 Degrees E Longitude

After the first three nights of StarPeace were celebrated at the same time by China, The Philippines and New Zealand, the celebration, organized by StarPeace in collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) as part of "Global Astronomy Month" (GAM), moves 36 degrees toward the West. Between April 4 and 6, countries situated at 72-108 degrees E longitude are invited to observe the sky together and be "One People, One Sky."

So far, four countries have announced their participation: India with four groups, Pakistan with two groups, and Nepal and Sri Lanka with one group each.

In Delhi, Mila Mitra from S.P.A.C.E. India is holding stargazing sessions from the S.P.A.C.E. office during all the three days. On April 4, three other groups from India join in. Datta Deogaonkar from Ahmendnagar is organizing a stargazing program and giving a lecture on "Sky Watching and Astronomy" which is being broadcasted live at the "All India" radio station. On the morning of April 4, Manoj Pai from the Astronomy Club Ahmedabad is holding solar observations near Kankaria Lake simultaneously with Narendra Sagar Gor from the Kutch Amateur Astronomy Club.

At the same time, during the three nights of April 4-6, Suresh Bhattarai from the Nepal Astronomical Society is organizing star parties, while Thilina Heenatigala from the Sri Lanka Astronomical Association joins in with a sidewalk astronomy event on April 4. In Pakistan, a planetarium in Karachi is holding a special public event on April 4, while a group in Lahore holds events on April 5 and 6.

If your country is located at a longitude between 72 and 108 degrees E, you are invited to join the borderless celebration of the universe and become one people under the same sky.

More information about the "30 Nights of StarPeace" program taking place during April 2010, Global Astronomy Month, can be found on the "30 Nights of StarPeace" GAM web page.

Online Messier Marathon Began on April 5

5 April 2010

On April 5, at 18:00 UT, the Bellatrix Observatory in Italy started the online Messier Marathon, a journey with no less than 110 stops—one for each of the deep sky objects from Charles Messier’s famous catalogue. Everyone is invited to join the Marathon and observe the fantastic views of these objects right from their computers.

You will see:

A supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus: The Crab Nebula (M1),
An open cluster of stars in the constellation of Scorpius: The Butterfly Cluster (M6),
A spiral galaxy at approximately 3 million light years distance in the constellation Triangulum: The Triangulum Galaxy (M33),
A spiral galaxy in the Coma Berenices constellation, which has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus: The Black Eye Galaxy (M64),
An unbarred spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo whose dark dust lane and the bulge give this galaxy the appearance of a sombrero: The Sombrero Galaxy (M104),

…and 105 other amazing deep sky objects—all just a few clicks away.

To participate in the Messier Marathon, go to:

http://virtualtelescope.bellatrixobservatory.org/mm2010.html

Global Astronomy Month News 3 April 2010

4 April 2010

Online Messier Marathon with Remote Telescope 5 April
Explore the treasures of the famous Messier Catalogue from home! The Marathon begins on 5 April 2010 at 18.00 UT. See the Virtual Telescope event site for more information.

International Dark Sky Week

"Revenge of the Nerds" meets "American Idol"
Voting is open through April 9 for the Spirit of Innovation Awards. 24 of the top high school teams are creating competing designs for the future. See www.conradawards.org for information on the teams, their products, and to submit your vote. When you vote, be sure to select Astronomers Without Borders as your affiliate.

So far in GAM

The Members Blog for 3 April talks about three GAM opening events and an upcoming 24-hour observing marathon.

A 31 March News Feature described how Oceania and eastern Asia would kicked off 30 Night of StarPeace the next day. Watch for a News Feature or Members Blog on these events soon.

GAM Picture of the Day

Have you got a great photo of your GAM event? Send it to gampod@gam-awb.org and we may choose it for the GAM Picture of the Day. Be sure to tell us who is in the photo, what's happening, where it is and when the photo was taken. And check out all the GAMPODs so far!

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