IYA2009 Updates
Nepal’s first astronomy documentary released
15 June 2009
Nepal's first astronomy documentary released
Nepal's first astronomical documentary entitled Hubble and The Universe has been officially released by Rishi Shah, Jayanta Acharya, and Reverend Father Antonysamy jointly during a ceremony at St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal. The documentary is a production of FAR SCIENCE Production initiated by G.D. Pudasaini and Utshav Kandel, two young students of B.Sc. first year of St. Xavier's College, Matighar Kathmandu.
During the ceremony, chief guest Er. Rishi Shah, Academician of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and President of Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) explained the importance of astronomy for the development of Nepalese Society. Mr. Jayanta Acharya, Single Point of Contact for IYA2009 Nepal and special guest of the ceremony highlighted the past, present and future IYA2009 activities in Nepal.
After the releasing ceremony the documentary was screened. The documentary is 2 Hours 6 minutes long including 8 minutes of bonus materials. More than 200 students from different colleges participated during the ceremony, and will help to organise astronomical activities in their regions to celebrate IYA2009 in Nepal.
Help to solve a 175 year-old mystery
15 June 2009
Help to solve a 175 year-old mystery
Citizen Sky is a citizen science project providing you with a chance to do real scientific research. We are seeking to understand a star that has been a mystery to scientists for many years. This star is epsilon Aurigae, a very bright star located in the constellation Auriga, the charioteer. This star is bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye even in the most light-polluted cities, and it is visible every autumn, winter, and spring.
Epsilon Aurigae is a variable star-this means it changes in brightness over time. Some things about the way that this star fades and then regains it brightness are still not fully understood by astronomers after over 175 years of study. The next eclipse of eps Aur is predicted to begin in August 2009. We need you to help us collect data so that we can better understand this mysterious star. Because the star is very bright, it can be observed by anyone regardless of background, training, or equipment: with just good pair of eyes and a finder chart (which we will give you,) you can monitor this eclipse.
Citizen Sky welcomes everyone to be a citizen scientist. We will guide you through the process of how to observe epsilon Aurigae, how to send us your observations, and then how to see your results, analyse them, and even publish them in a scientific journal! No previous experience is required. We hope that this project will involve thousands of people all over the world in real, active scientific research.
To learn more and get involved, please visit http://www.citizensky.org/
IYA2009 Updates
12 June 2009
The Galileo Teacher Training Program brings astronomy into the classroom
The Galileo Teacher Training Program has been launched, bringing training and resources to teachers around the globe. The project's aim is to improve astronomy education for children of all nations, by better equipping their tutors through a comprehensive set of resources and practical guidance. Read the release information here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iya0911/
.Astronomy 2009 conference
The internet has been instrumental in bringing the activities of IYA2009 to a huge public with blogs, podcasts and webcasts. In the .Astronomy workshop we will review the success of these initiatives and discuss how to keep the momentum of IYA2009 into the coming years. Read more here: http://lorentzcenter.nl/lc/web/2009/362/info.php3?wsid=362
Galaxy Zoo a smash hit during 100 Hours of Astronomy
For a 100-hour period in April, amateur and professional astronomers around the world joined together in an event of unprecedented scale. Known as 100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA), it was a resounding success. In fact, its effects are still being felt. Find out about how 100HA helped the Galaxy Zoo project to break a record: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/312/
Paper models help explain the Universe
Free cut-out and make paper models have been released online by Canon. The designs are for the structure of the Sun, a sundial, a lunar globe, interactive planisphere, cut-away Mt. Fuji, and a cross-section representation if the Earth. The designs can be easily downloaded, along with detailed instructions of how to successfully construct them. They will help explain the workings of our planet and other astronomical objects to a wide audience, and encourage hands-on investigation of astronomy. Obtain them here: http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3151/list_15_1.html
Developing Astronomy Globally: update
In April 2009 the IAU and UNESCO provided funding to support IYA2009 related projects and activities in developing regions. A call for proposals was sent out to Single Points of Contact around the world via the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone. The aim was to provide seed funding and basic support to stimulate astronomy activities in developing regions. Find out about the response here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/310/
Dust off your binoculars for IYA2009
A new online monthly column called Binocular Universe has been launched. Written by veteran stargazer Phil Harrington, the first article is called "The Heart of the Scorpion" and is all about the star Antares, and the deep-sky sights in its vicinity. Read it here: http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1981
News round-up, 12 June 2009
12 June 2009
News round-up, 12 June 2009
Batten down the hatches, news is upon us!
CITIZEN ASTRONOMERS UNITE is the rallying call of a superlative article from Cosmic Log about how "regular folks" can get involved in IYA2009. The comprehensive and hyperlink-laden feature lists projects and events, from the Galileoscope to kooky favourite Second Life. The comments section at the bottom of the page is also worth a look, as people highlight a few things that were missed in the main text. The IYA2009 Secretariat hereby declares the article to be required reading.
What's this then, EurekAlert? Looks like an astronomer has been championing the use of solar eclipses to solve modern problems. Nature journal has made his work the cover story of the latest issue, as part of its IYA2009 coverage. The accompanying image would look lovely hanging on the wall. See to that, please.
ABC 7 News from Chicago has an article about amateur astronomers getting involved in telescopic observations during IYA2009. It even includes a VIDEO where two presenters interview an enthusiast about his hobby. You have to feel for him, especially when at 01:49 a presenter asks if you need a "really strong microscope" to observe Saturn.
Now let's run as fast as our feet will carry us toward IYA2009 mainstay Astronomy Now, who have posted an article marrying the popular topics Galaxy Zoo and 100 Hours of Astronomy. The Zoo project is all about involving the public in scientific work by asking people to classify images of galaxies. For 100HA the aim was to analyse one million, but they smashed this and actually classified 2.5 million. Shall we steal a quote from the article? "With the Zoo 2 target of 40 million classifications in sight, participants in this IYA project will soon truly have made the Universe theirs to discover," says project principal investigator Chris Lintott. Thanks, Chris and Astronomy Now.
Attention! Galileo Teacher Training Program incoming! redOrbit has details about this new Cornerstone project, and how it will help teachers to successfully bring astronomy into the curriculum.
Astronomy in Mozambique may be on the rise, according to a SpaceRef.com report. As a proposed host for a future Square Kilometre Array and an active country in IYA2009 events, there has been a strong drive to create an astronomy university department. Says the article, Mozambique lacks funds but possesses a strong will. Good luck, Mozambique: "Descobre o teu Universo!"
Snippet time! Science Careers has an interview with astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock, supporting She Is An Astronomer's aims of promoting gender equality. 4NI.co.uk informs us that Belfast's Lord Mayor is encouraging people to get involved with IYA2009 activities by supporting a carnival with the theme "look up", to mark this special year. And Whyy.org has a lovely audio feature about our Sun and IYA2009.
Surely that's enough news to keep you going until next Friday?
Galaxy Zoo a smash hit during 100 Hours of Astronomy
12 June 2009
For a 100-hour period in April, amateur and professional astronomers around the world joined together in an event of unprecedented scale. Known as 100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA), it was a resounding success. In fact, its effects are still being felt.
Galaxy Zoo is an initiative where members of the public help scientists by classifying galaxies based on their shape. Keen to embrace the spirit of 100HA, the Galaxy Zoo team set themselves the challenge of analysing one million galaxies within the 100 hours. Now it has been revealed that volunteers actually provided more than 2.5 million classifications, far above even the most hopeful expectations. This testament to the enthusiasm of astronomy supporters and the positive influence of IYA2009 has been noted in an Astronomy Now article.
The follow-up to 100HA is a project called Galilean Nights. Taking place on 23-24 October 2009, astronomers will once again be showing the public breathtaking sights. Perhaps Galaxy Zoo will receive another boost, raising its admirable statistics even further.
Paper models help explain the Universe
11 June 2009
Free cut-out and make paper models have been released online by Canon. The designs are for the structure of the Sun, a sundial, a lunar globe, interactive planisphere, cut-away Mt. Fuji, and a cross-section representation if the Earth.
The designs can be easily downloaded, along with detailed instructions of how to successfully construct them. They will help explain the workings of our planet and other astronomical objects to a wide audience, and encourage hands-on investigation of astronomy.
IYA2009 Developing Astronomy Globally: Update
11 June 2009
In April 2009 the IAU and UNESCO provided funding to support IYA2009 related projects and activities in developing regions. A call for proposals was sent out to Single Points of Contact around the world via the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone. The aim was to provide seed funding and basic support to stimulate astronomy activities in developing regions.
The response was overwhelming. There were 38 applicants who responded to this call. The selection committee waded through an impressive list of quality proposals that included astronomy education workshops for teachers, the recording and preservation of indigenous astronomy knowledge, the production of school astronomy education resources in local languages and many more.
Twelve proposals were selected from the following countries: Macedonia, Nepal, Uganda, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Gabon, Rwanda, Uruguay, Tajikistan. Selections were made based on project alignment with the IYA2009 goals, more specifically the Developing Astronomy Globally goals, and based on needs as indicated by the Global Astronomy Survey.
The Global Astronomy Survey is conducted under the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone. It aims to gauge the status of astronomy activities in developing countries and act as a baseline with which to measure astronomy development in these countries into the future.
Further information on the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone and on the Global Astronomy Survey can be found on the website www.developingastronomy.org.
Dust off your binoculars for IYA2009
11 June 2009
When an interest in astronomy is sparked, thoughts often turn to telescopes. These instruments help to peer into the heavens and reveal marvellous objects beyond the realm of our unaided eyes, but they can also be costly and difficult to use for beginners. Instead, many novice stargazers are encouraged to first pursue their hobby with a good pair of binoculars.
With the merits of binocular astronomy in mind, a new online monthly column called Binocular Universe has been launched. Written by veteran stargazer Phil Harrington, the first article is called "The Heart of the Scorpion" and is all about the star Antares, and the deep-sky sights in its vicinity.
Says Phil, "The online column will visit many wonders of the night sky that are visible through a simple pair of binoculars. Some of the sights may be familiar, while others may be brand new. I am a strong advocate for IYA2009's mission to bring the Universe down to Earth, and what better way to introduce people to the night sky than with binoculars."
Binoculars are a popular choice of instrument among amateur astronomers. They are light, easy to use, and comparatively inexpensive, yet still provide incredible views of the skies. They also have an advantage over telescopes in that they offer wider fields-of-view, meaning more of the sky can be observed and any given time.
Binocular Universe is an excellent resource for stargazers who wish to get the most from the night sky.
AAS PRESS CONFERENCE: IYA2009 Update
9 June 2009
AAS PRESS CONFERENCE, TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009, 10:30 a.m. PDT:
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY 2009 US UPDATE
Information on how off-site reporters can participate in the briefing via Internet.
Internet Slidecast: Point your Web browser to http://aas214.showmaestro.com/press/ You must have a current version of QuickTime, available free on the Apple Computer website (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/), to view the slidecast. There is no audio with the slidecast; for audio, dial in to the conference call.
Live Webcast: It may also be possible to watch a live webcast (including both audio and video) of the press conference at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/astronomy-cast-live-press-conference-coverage/ However, the legibility of slides and other presentation graphics may be better on the slidecast. The AAS is not responsible for the webcast but encourages it and gratefully acknowledges the staff of Astronomy Cast for producing it. To ask questions during the conference call/slidecast/webcast, wait until prompted by the chair of the briefing, or (to ensure that your question will be taken and also to report problems with the audio, slidecast, or webcast) send your question or comment during the briefing to BOTH Rick Fienberg and Inge Heyer at the addresses rick.fienberg@aas.org and heyer@aas.org. (Only one of these addresses will be monitored during any given briefing.) The press conferences will not be archived.
IYA2009 Updates
5 June 2009
IYA2009 and Web 2.0
Astronomy is a science which embraces modern technology, so it is no surprise to see IYA2009 represented on the most popular Web 2.0 sites. The problem is that with such a dazzling array of websites, where is the best place to start? This short guide to the English-speaking web 2.0 sites will help you decide which are best for you. http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/304/
Telescope per school in Slovenia
The Ministry of Education and Sport in Slovenia has enabled all primary and secondary schools in Slovenia to purchase a telescope and other astronomical equipment of their choice to value of 550 EUR per school. From 2009 on, all Slovenian pupils should therefore have a chance to observe the sky through a telescope! Read all about it here: http://www.astronomija2009.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=58&Itemid=90
Interview with IAU President
Catherine Cesarsky, President of the International Astronomical Union, has been interviewed on the JAXA website: http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol46/index_e.html
Ceremony celebrates the 1919 eclipse at Príncipe
In May 1919, the famous astronomer, Sir Arthur Eddington, the Royal Astronomical Society and the Geographical Society of Lisbon launched an historic expedition to observe a total solar eclipse. Historians now recognise this as a major achievement of 20th Century science. To commemorate the 90th anniversary, IYA2009 has given Special Project status to the Celebrating the 1919 Eclipse at Príncipe initiative and endorsed a ceremony that took place on the island. To read more about the historical expedition and recent ceremony, visit: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/305/
Astronomy haiku competition: winner announced!
Readers of the weekly news round-ups may remember a story about the UK IYA2009 contingent running a competition to celebrate the launch of full-dome digital planetarium show "We are Astronomers". To win four tickets to the show, followers of the Astronomy 2009 UK Twitter feed had to write their own astro-themed haiku! Now the competition is over, and the winning entry has been announced. Congratulations to @MazP who produced this haiku:
Archer's bow stretched tight
Sirius and Orion
hunt the night sky down
For more information and the two runner-up entries, go to: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/303/
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