William Atkins
Wednesday, 07 January 2009 23:46
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 3
The website for the IYA2009 is found at:
http://www.astronomy2009.org/.
According to the UNESCO
website,
“The Opening ceremony of the International Year of Astronomy will take place in Paris, January 15-16, 2009, under the aegis of the UN, the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the IAU (International Astronomical Union). It is also supported by a number of sponsors including French and international organizations and institutions.”
Among the wealth of information found on the website, it states,
“The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night-time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery."
Among the information found on the IYA2009 website is a listing of the major global projects set for the year 2009.
One such project is the GalileoScope, which is a program to provide a “simple, accessible, easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use telescope that can be distributed by the millions,” which will be similar to the instrument first used by Galileo
The article “
The Galileoscope: millions looking at the sky” provides more information.
The IYA2009 website also includes other information on astronomy activities being directed by the IAU.
Page three continues some of the countries and organizations participating in the IYA2009 events.
