IYA2009 Updates
Pope on the International Year of Astronomy 2009 - The Official Speech
1 January 2009
BENEDICT XVI
ANGELUS
St Peter's Square
Fourth Sunday of Advent, 21 December 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Gospel of this Fourth Sunday of Advent proposes to us the account of
the Annunciation (Lk 1: 26-38), the mystery to which we return every day
in reciting the Angelus. This prayer makes us relive the decisive moment
at which God knocked at Mary's heart and, having received her "yes",
began to take flesh, in her and from her. The Collect of today's Mass is
the same as the one we recite at the end of the Angelus that in Italian,
says: "Infondi nel nostro spirito la tua grazia, O Padre. Tu che
all'annunzio dell'Angelo ci hai rivelato l'incarnazione del tuo Figlio,
per la sua passione e la sua croce guidaci alla gloria della
risurrezione" [Fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us
by an angel the coming of your Son as man, so lead us through his
suffering and death to the glory of his Resurrection]. With only a few
days until the Feast of Christmas, we are invited to fix our gaze on the
ineffable mystery that Mary treasured for nine months in her virginal
womb: the mystery of God who is made man. This is the first foundation
of the redemption. The second is the death and Resurrection of Jesus and
these two inseparable aspects express a single divine plan: to save
humanity and its history, assuming them fully by taking on the entire
burden of all the evil that oppresses it.
Beyond its historical dimension, this mystery of salvation also has a
cosmic dimension: Christ is the sun of grace who, with his life,
"transfigures and enflames the expectant universe" (cf. Liturgy). The
Christmas festivity is placed within and linked to the winter solstice
when, in the northern hemisphere, the days begin once again to lengthen.
In this regard perhaps not everyone knows that in St Peter's Square
there is also a meridian; in fact, the great obelisk casts its shadow in
a line that runs along the paving stones toward the fountain beneath
this window and in these days, the shadow is at its longest of the year.
This reminds us of the role of astronomy in setting the times of prayer.
The Angelus, for example, is recited in the morning, at noon and in the
evening, and clocks were regulated by the meridian which in ancient
times made it possible to know the "exact midday".
The fact that the winter solstice occurs exactly today, 21 December, and
at this very time, offers me the opportunity to greet all those who will
be taking part in various capacities in the initiatives for the World
Year of Astronomy, 2009, established on the fourth centenary of Galileo
Galilei's first observations by telescope. Among my Predecessors of
venerable memory there were some who studied this science, such as
Sylvester II who taught it, Gregory XIII to whom we owe our calendar,
and St Pius X who knew how to build sundials. If the heavens, according
to the Psalmist's beautiful words, "are telling the glory of God" (Ps
19[18]: 1), the laws of nature which over the course of centuries many
men and women of science have enabled us to understand better are a
great incentive to contemplate the works of the Lord with gratitude.
Let us now turn our gaze again to Mary and Joseph who were awaiting the
birth of Jesus and learn from them the secret of reflection in order to
taste the joy of Christmas. Let us prepare ourselves to welcome with
faith the Redeemer who comes to be with us, the Word of God's love for
humanity of every epoch.
Astronomy Picture of the Day: 1st January 2009
1 January 2009
Astronomy Picture of the Day: 1st January 2009
Nature: A Big Year for Astronomy
1 January 2009
The latest issue of Nature is dedicated to the big year for astronomy, the International Year of Astronomy 2009. Check the latest issue: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v457/n7225/
Check the latest news about IYA2009 around the world!
1 January 2009
New Year Message by Valérie Pécresse (French Minister of Higher Education and Research)
23 December 2008
Every second counts
23 December 2008
There is good news for IYA2009 supporters racing to finish preparations before the new year. On 31 December, a "leap second" will be added to the world's clocks at 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This marks the 24th leap second to be added to UTC, since 1972.
These extra seconds are needed because the Earth's rotation is gradually slowing down. The happy side-effect this year is that it provides an extra moment to organise activities for IYA2009!
More information: http://www.usno.navy.mil/pao/press/2008_Leap_Second_Release.pdf
Toronto IYA2009 Proclamation
22 December 2008
"International Year of Astronomy Kick-Off Day in Toronto
January 10, 2009
WHEREAS astronomy is deeply rooted in our cultures, heritage and in philosophy; it is a foundation of science and driver of technology; and inspires people of all ages, especially young people, thereby promoting science interest and literacy.
UNESCO and the UN General Assembly have endorsed International Year of Astronomy 2009 as a year-long, world-wide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's development and use of the astronomical telescope and his other contributions to science.
Toronto is home to internationally renowned astronomy research institutes, a science centre and museum with outstanding astronomy exhibits and programs, and one of the world's oldest and largest astronomy clubs.
Astronomy is a strong component of the school curriculum and is taught to large numbers of students in professional and general interest courses in our universities and colleges.
Toronto's professional and amateur astronomers will be celebrating International Year of Astronomy by offering an exciting array of public and school-based astronomy events and programs, starting on January 10, 2009.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim January 10, 2009 as "International Year of Astronomy Kick-Off Day in Toronto".
Mayor David Miller"
Source: http://www.toronto.ca/proclamations/2009/yearofastronomy2009.htm
Pope Benedict XVI has saluted those celebrating the IYA2009
22 December 2008
Pope Benedict XVI has saluted those celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009. His announcement came on the astronomically significant winter solstice. Benedict explained that understanding the laws of nature can stimulate understanding and appreciation of the Lord's works.
IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo's observations using a telescope. His discoveries supported the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun, and not the other way around. The Catholic Church condemned Galileo in the 17th Century for these beliefs, but Pope John Paul II apologised for this in 1992.
News sources:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0806388.htm
http://www.capetimes.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4770735
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=9561208
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