IYA2009 Updates

IYA2009 news round-up, 4 September

4 September 2009

Welcome to the round-up, this week written at the same time as consuming a full English breakfast in a Bristol cafe. All is well with the world.

And all is well with Space.com too, as they've pumped out an article about IYA2009. It gives an historical grounding by explaining Galileo's discoveries, and how important his telescopic observations were.

Rock on, UniverseToday! They've been reporting on a live webcast run by Israel's Bareket Observatory, to celebrate IYA2009. Special explanations by an astronomer and musical accompaniments helped to bring the event to a wide audience. Live observation sessions also get them bonus points. Nicely done, Barekat Observatory.

ThisisDerbyshire.co.uk has posted an article about space-themed outdoor classical concert in the UK. It links with IYA2009, but the journalist obviously thought that this was secondary to the story, as the main point of interest is the musicians' use of clothes pegs. Seriously. "'It's the wind," he [the conductor] says. ‘That's our chief enemy. We always have to bring a large supply of clothes pegs, as there's nothing better for keeping sheets of music on the stand.'" See?

BBC News were obviously interested in last week's The Great Look Up, as they've gone one better than writing just words, and have made a video about it. Watch it HERE. Hmm, news round-up videos... actually, some ideas are better left unrealised.

Attention all photographers. The Times has written about an astronomy photographer of the year competition, and it sounds worth getting involved in. The article has some useful tips for getting good shots. Definitely worth reading, especially as a warm-up to the upcoming Galilean Nights astrophoto competition.

Still on the photo theme, over to yourwestvalley.com, which is probably an American site, going by their spelling of the word "colour". An exhibit called "Focus on the Universe: A Photographic Exhibit Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy" will be on display, and on the final day the artists themselves will be present to talk with the public. Great idea, more places should do that.

So that's the round-up and breakfast done. Conclusion: the sausage was good, the fried egg superb, the beans as expected, and the bacon disappointing.

Weekly update, 4th September

4 September 2009

Dear friends,

Here are some IYA2009 updates from the last week.

The UNESCO Courier
400 years ago Galileo took the dark stains on the surface of the Moon to be seas. He was wrong. Today, we are sending missions to the Moon in search of water. These technological advances have been extraordinary. Yet, the Universe remains largely unknown. Read a special article here: http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=46124&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

The Great Look Up
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and as part of a summer that has already celebrated the 40th anniversary of man setting foot on the Moon, the University of Surrey and Guildford Astronomical Society teamed to present an opportunity for people of all ages to join in a huge stargazing event. Read more: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/greatlookup/

American community applauded for IYA2009 activities
Local communities are at the core of IYA2009, so news of their success stories is always welcome. The village of Barrington Hills, Illinois, USA, has embraced astronomy this year, and has been actively participating in a great many activities. A local cable TV news programme has interviewed city manager Robert Kosin about how IYA2009 is beneficial for residents, and plans for the upcoming Galilean Nights Cornerstone project which is set for 22 - 24 October. See the interview in its entirety here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G9slqxVO9A

Jet Propulsion Laboratory produces videos for IYA2009
A series of astronomy videos produced by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are helping to bring astronomy to the public. Available to view and download in a variety of resolutions and sizes, they are useful resources for IYA2009 supporters wanting to use high-quality multimedia materials as part of outreach events. See an IYA2009-specific video here: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=804

Protection of the Night Sky conference will tackle light pollution during IYA2009
The 9th European Symposium for the Protection of the Night Sky will be taking place from 17 - 19 September 2009 in Armagh, Ireland. The Symposium will deal with the issue of light pollution, its effects on the environment, health, and astronomy, and examine how bad lighting is contributing to global climate change. The Symposium's official website is: http://www.lightpollution2009.eu/

International astronomy workshop set to take place in São Tomé e Príncipe
From 8 - 10 September, the Seventh International Workshop on "New Worlds in Astroparticle Physics" will be attracting scientists from around the world. Sessions include high energy gamma rays, neutrino physics, and experimental cosmology. Also taking place is a special school for students and teachers from Portuguese-speaking countries. Held at the Polytechnic University in São Tomé, it promises to captivate with topics such as matter and light, quantum mechanics, and riddles in science.
The official website is: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astro2009/index.html
The astroschool's website is: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astroschool2009/
See the conference poster here: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astro2009/files/poster-astro2009.pdf

Music and astronomy bring IYA2009 to thousands of people
Music and Astronomy Under the Stars is a NASA-funded astronomy outreach project taking place in public parks during IYA2009 and beyond. Telescopes, posters, and videos are used to bring astronomy to the masses. On 28 July, 16,000 people saw the exhibitions when they attended the Tanglewood Music Festival (USA), and 60,000 people are expected to visit during the New York Philharmonic Concert in the Park next year. For more information and images, please visit: http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html

If you need any assistance, remember that the Secretariat is always available for you.

Pedro, Mariana and Lee
IYA2009 Secretariat

American community applauded for IYA2009 activities

2 September 2009

Local communities are at the core of IYA2009, so news of their success stories is always welcome. The village of Barrington Hills, Illinois, USA, has embraced astronomy this year, and has been actively participating in a great many activities.

A local cable TV news programme has interviewed city manager Robert Kosin about how IYA2009 is beneficial for residents, and plans for the upcoming Galilean Nights Cornerstone project which is set for 22 - 24 October.

See the interview in its entirety here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G9slqxVO9A

Jet Propulsion Laboratory produces videos for IYA2009

2 September 2009

A series of astronomy videos produced by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are helping to bring astronomy to the public. Available to view and download in a variety of resolutions and sizes, they are useful resources for IYA2009 supporters wanting to use high-quality multimedia materials as part of outreach events.

See an IYA2009-specific video here: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=804

Protection of the Night Sky conference will tackle light pollution during IYA2009

2 September 2009

The 9th European Symposium for the Protection of the Night Sky will be taking place from 17 - 19 September 2009 in Armagh, Ireland. The Symposium will deal with the issue of light pollution, its effects on the environment, health, and astronomy, and examine how bad lighting is contributing to global climate change.

This year there is significant focus on education, with eight schools expected to participate. Informing young generations about the perils of excessive lighting and our deteriorating skies directly supports several of IYA2009's core aims.

The Symposium's official website is: http://www.lightpollution2009.eu/

International astronomy workshop set to take place in São Tomé e Príncipe

2 September 2009

From 8 - 10 September, the Seventh International Workshop on "New Worlds in Astroparticle Physics" will be attracting scientists from around the world. Sessions include high energy gamma rays, neutrino physics, and experimental cosmology.

Also taking place is a special school for students and teachers from Portuguese-speaking countries. Held at the Polytechnic University in São Tomé, it promises to captivate with topics such as matter and light, quantum mechanics, and riddles in science.

São Tomé e Príncipe (whose official language is Portuguese) is a small island nation off the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. In 1919, Eddington travelled there to observe an eclipse of the Sun, an important event the anniversary of which has been celebrated during IYA2009.

The official website is: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astro2009/index.html
The astroschool's website is: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astroschool2009/
See the conference poster here: http://centra.ist.utl.pt/~centra/astro2009/files/poster-astro2009.pdf

Music and astronomy bring IYA2009 to thousands of people

2 September 2009

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars is a NASA-funded astronomy outreach project taking place in public parks during IYA2009 and beyond. Telescopes, posters, and videos are used to bring astronomy to the masses. On 28 July, 16,000 people saw the exhibitions when they attended the Tanglewood Music Festival (USA), and 60,000 people are expected to visit during the New York Philharmonic Concert in the Park next year.

Organised by Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, more special activities are planned. A Halloween "spooky walk" will be run on 24 October, during the Galilean Nights IYA2009 Cornerstone project. More than 5000 children are expected to attend this particular event alone!

For more information and images, please visit: http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html

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/

IYA2009 News Round-up

28 August 2009

The weekly news round-up is relentless, tireless, unforgiving, and coming right for you every Friday. So let's crack on with it.

Quite a few countries have commissioned official IYA2009 coins and now Romania is in on the action, says Wall Street. A special silver medal celebrating this astronomical year is now in circulation. They feature the logo and inscription "DESCOPERA SINGUR UNIVERSUL" (The Universe, Yours to Discover).

Do you like your science with a side of scandal? The Prague Post certainly does, and to prove it they've written an excellent article with "tales of murder, sex and excess." And astronomy. The aim is to publicise a conference and museum dedicated to the life and times of Kepler, who published the landmark Astronomia nova 400 years ago.

Astronomy.com's blog has had a go at picking the top space-themed news stories from the year so far. It makes for interesting reading and shows just how much cutting-edge science has taken place during IYA2009. Says the article, "And we can't forget that 2009 was the International Year of Astronomy." No, we can't.

Schaumberg Review is generously spreading the word about public night sky viewings and talks about all things astronomical, happening at Harper College every other Saturday during November. You'll need to scroll down quite a way to find the text, but the level of detail makes up for that. Also at Harper College is a new "Welding for Women" course, so why not combine that with astronomy for a fun-filled day (and night)?

IYA2009 has reached Derby in the UK with force. Up to 50,000 people are expected to join in the annual Feste celebrations. The live music and street parades will feature an astronomy theme, with pieces from Strauss, Mozart, Hayman, Sousa, Williams, Dvorak and Mancini, and from 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Magic Flute, ET, and even Star Wars. Oh yes, the article is on ThisIsDerbyshire.co.uk.

The Calgary Herald have outdone themselves this week, with a story about how amateur astronomers have been building their own telescopes and racing to find faint fuzzy objects that are scattered around the night sky.

Website launch for Galilean Nights!

28 August 2009

The Galilean Nights team have been working hard to ensure that the project is ready on time. The website will act as a central hub, and is launched today. The site contains contain useful information, ranging from tips on how to run an event to the basics of stargazing. More information and resources will be added over the coming weeks. Perhaps the most important aspect of the website is the ability for event organisers to register their activities, ensuring that as many people as possible can search for details, find events local to them, and participate.

Astronomy societies, amateur astronomers, and indeed all interested parties are encouraged to begin planning events now, so that they can be registered as early as possible. Activities will focus on public star parties, allowing individuals to observe the same celestial objects as Galileo did 400 years ago. These include gas giant Jupiter, mysterious Venus, the cratered Moon, and many others.

All IYA2009 supporters are asked to help spread the word about the Galilean Nights Cornerstone project, and ensure that it is a great success!

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