International Year of Astronomy 2009

The year 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy by the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations.

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a world-wide celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover”. IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations. These activities will take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes have been formed in each country (including the United States) to prepare activities for 2009. Today, 137 countries are involved!

Official IYA2009 Theatrical Trailer

The NCSF is an active participant in IYA2009. Watch this space as IYA2009 events are added to our schedule, supporting the events for the USA and allowing our local communities to participate in a truly global experience.

100 Hours of Astronomy

This was a round-the-clock, round-the-globe event, including 24 hours of live webcasts, observing events and other activities connecting large observatories around the world. One of the key goals was to allow as many people as possible to look through a telescope, and see what Galileo saw – the four Galilean moons around Jupiter.

The "100 Hours of Astronomy" took place in the weekend of Thursday, April 2nd, through Sunday, April 5th. This included two weekdays (school days), which was ideal for students and teachers, and two weekend days, which was ideal for families. The Moon was at first quarter on the 2nd, so it was at a good phase for early-evening observing that whole weekend.

The Northern Cross Science Foundation supported this global effort by having their observatory at Harrington Beach State Park open to the public. Additionally, we had telescopes at West Bend Library, Pike Lake State Park, and Bayshore Town Center. Our 100 Hours of Astronomy schedule is listed below:

Wednesday, April 1
Telescope Viewing at West Bend Library 7pm to 11pm

Thursday, April 2
Solar Viewing at West Bend Library 1pm to 5pm
Lecture and Telescope Viewing at Unitarian Church North from 7pm to 11pm

Friday, April 3
Telescope Viewing at Bayshore Town Center 7pm to 11pm
Telescope Viewing at Pike Lake State Park 7pm to 11pm
Telescope Viewing & Observatory Open House at Harrington Beach State Park 7pm to 11pm

Saturday, April 4
We were at Bayshore Town Center from 10am to 11pm. Activities included:

solar viewing
a scale model of the solar system people could walk through outside
live viewing of the "Around The World in 80 Telescope" 24-hour webcast that was part of 100HA
screenings of the official IYA2009 documentary "400 Years of the Telescope"
demonstrations on how telescopes work and what astronomers learn by using them
telescope viewing after dark

Telescope Viewing at Pike Lake State Park 7pm to 11pm
Telescope Viewing & Observatory Open House at Harrington Beach State Park 7pm to 11pm

Sunday, April 5
Solar Viewing at Bayshore Town Center from 10am to 2pm

As you can see from the calendar on www.wisconsinastronomy.org, the Northern Cross Science Foundation supported 100 Hours of Astronomy with many events and activities, but we were not the only ones. It was a very exciting kickoff to the International Year of Astronomy for Wisconsinites!

365 Days of Astronomy

Every day during 2009, there will be a new podcast on some aspect of astronomy (professional or amateur). The January 2nd podcast was written and produced by one of our own NCSF members (Tips For Using Your First Telescope). All podcasts (past and present) and their written transcripts are available on the 365 Days of Astronomy website.

The Galileoscope

The NCSF will make available a number of 50mm refractor kits. With instruction from NCSF members, the end result will be a real working telescope like the one Galileo used 400 years ago to discover craters on the Moon, the moons of Jupiter, and more. Stay tuned for more information on participating in a Galileoscope building session.

100 Telescopes In The Park

On September 25 and 26, astronomy organizations across Southeast Wisconsin are getting together for an event like no other! "100 Telescopes In The Park: A Celebration of the International Year of Astronomy" will feature telescopes of every imaginable shape and size, all set up and ready to show the wonders of the night sky to the public at large. It's going to be an astronomical gathering!

In addition to 100 telescopes, there will be exhibits and activites for young and old. We will begin the afternoon with our Telescope Clinic -- a perfect opportunity to bring your own telescope to have our experts give it a little TLC and help you learn about using it to it's best potential. More information is available at the Wisconsin Astronomy website.

Media Review

IYA2009 will be supported by an unprecedented amount of publicity and media support. Among other things, there will be a documentary on the 400-year history of the telescope itself, airing in America on PBS and on other outlets around the world. The International Astronomical Union is also producing their own DVD and coffee-table book on the history of telescopic discovery in astronomy. We will offer screenings at our public events for IYA2009, starting with our 100 Hours of Astronomy daytime event at Bayshore Town Center.