Welcoming International Year of Astronomy-2009

by NANDKUMAR KAMAT
Posted on 2008-12-20
The apex body of all astronomers-International astronomical union –IAU has resolved to celebrate 2009 as ‘International year of astronomy’ IYA-2009. The theme of the IYA-2009 is- “The universe, yours to discover’. The IAU resolution was fully endorsed by UNESCO and the general assembly of UN. IYA-2009 would be celebrated by more than 120 nations and 50 organisations. Why 2009?
Because it marks the 400 years of the use of telescope by Galileo for observing the night sky. In the same year, 1609, famous physicist Johannes Kepler published his work Astronomia nova which describes the fundamental laws of planetary motions. Galileo did not discover the telescope but just modified the invention called “Dutch perspective glass’ of Hans Lippersshey to fabricate his own telescope with much higher magnification which he used to observe the moon and the satellites of Jupiter. Galileo instantly understood the importance of telescopic observations and how these proved the Copernican theory of a heliocentric world.
The opening ceremony of IAU-2009 will take place in Paris, January 15-16, 2009, under the aegis of the UN, the UNESCO. The major goals of IYA2009 are to increase scientific awareness; promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; empower astronomical communities in developing countries; support and improve formal and informal science education; provide a modern image of science and scientists; facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones; improve the gender-balanced representation of scientists at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers; facilitate the preservation and protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites. Preparations for IYA-2009 have begun all over the world. National nodes have been established.
In India, Pune’s Inter university centre for astronomy and astrophysics (IUCAA) is the official national node to plan and coordinate the activities. More information about IYA-2009 activities in India is available at http://www.iucaa.ernet.in/~iya09ind/. As a serious student and popularizer of astronomy I have decided to collect and provide important information on IYA-2009 to students, teachers and readers by email throughout 2009. Please send the specific queries to me at iya09info@gmail.com. IAU has identified 11 cornerstone projects. These include:100 hours of astronomy: 400 years in the making- an event scheduled for April 2-5, 2009 and is part of the scheduled global activities. The main goals of 100HA is to have as many people throughout the world look through a telescope just as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. The second project is The Gallileoscope: millions of people eyeing the sky. It is collaborating with the US IYA2009 National Node to develop a simple, accessible, easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use telescope, which may cost as little as Rs. 500 that can be distributed by the millions. The third project is cosmic diary: the life of the astronomer. This would see astronomers blog in text and images about their life, families, friends, hobbies and interests, as well as their work, latest research findings and the challenges they face. Another project is to do gender justice. It is titled-She is an astronomer. Under the project-dark sky awareness: seeing in the dark the focus will be on three main citizen-scientist programs to measure local levels of light pollution.
There are heritage monuments dedicated to astronomy. So another project- astronomy and world heritage: universal treasures would aim to establish a link between science and culture on the basis of research aimed at acknowledging the cultural and scientific values of properties connected with astronomy. An ambitious cornerstone project of IYA-2009 likely to benefit teachers in India handsomely is- Galileo teacher training program or GTTP. Its’ goal is to create a worldwide network of certified “Galileo Ambassadors” by 2012. These Ambassadors will train “Galileo Master Teachers” in the effective use and transfer of astronomy education tools and resources into classroom science curricula. The Galileo Teachers will be equipped to train other teachers in these methodologies, leveraging the work begun during IYA2009 in classrooms everywhere. Under the project-universe awareness: one place in cosmos, very young children in under-privileged environments would be exposed to the scale and beauty of the Universe. From earth to universe-the beauty of science project would focus on bringing wonderful astronomical images to a wider audience in non-traditional venues like public parks, metro stations, art centers and other locations. Already readers can experience these images at World at night website http://www.twanight.org/newTWAN/index.asp(TWAN).Taking the benefit of total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009 (to be visible only from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh), solar eclipse enthusiasts ( check www.eclipsechasers.org/sew/index.html) are assembling at SolarEclipse Workshop’ at Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi University Campus, New Delhi from 9-11 jan. 2009.
The Association of friends of Astronomy (AFA), Goa has already launched IYA-2009 in special programme at Ravindra Bhavan on Goa Liberation Day. Education institutions need to come forward to celebrate IYA-2009 in a systematic manner.