IYA 2009 Ian Robson Presentation to NAM, April 17 th 2007
What is it ? • An international year, sponsored by UNESCO and hopefully, the UN • It will last the calendar year 2009 • It will involve as many countries as possible • It will involve professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, outreach personnel, planateria, visitor centres, scouts, guides…. .
What are its aims ? IYA 2009 will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people. IYA 2009 will mark the monumental leap forward that followed Galileo’s first use of the telescope for astronomical observations, and portray astronomy as a peaceful global scientific endeavour that unites astronomers in an international, multicultural family of scientists working together to find answers to some of the most fundamental questions that humankind has ever asked.
How will it work ? • Organised and overseen by the IAU – Executive Working Group responsible for: • Coordination, global fund raising, central web-site http: //www. astronomy 2009. org (I am a member as President of Commission 55) • Each country has a Single Point of Contact – I’m your SPo. C ! • Most activities expected to be country-based • There will be some ‘global’ events
What’s happened so far ? • Most of the IAU countries have selected their SPo. Cs • Kick-off meeting held in ESO HQ in March to thrash out big ideas and get everyone together • Agreement of logo and slogan
Global event suggestions v Big-bang opening at 00 hrs Jan 1 st (e. g. the fireworks – spectacle of Sydney Harbour Bridge!!) v Astronomy picture exhibitions (like the Earth from the Air) v 24 -hours in the life of the Universe (TV, webcast) v Astronomy Day(s) v Astronomy week(s) – Globe at Night perhaps v Solar eclipse event (July 22 nd – China)) v Event at the IAU in Rio (August)
Timetable Ø The next six months will be very important for: Ø Setting up of the Global Secretariat Ø Fund-raising progress Ø Feedback and consolidation about the global events Ø CAP 2007 will be held in Athens from Oct 8 -11 and will focus on IYA 2009 www. communicatingastronomy. org/cap 2007
A number of activity groups have been set up to look at global or common themes: http: //www. astronomy 2009. org/content/view/124/52/ Opening Events/Ceremonies Astronomy Picture Exhibits Solar Eclipse 2008/2009 Day in the life of the Universe Affordable telescope kits Archeo-astronomy Globe at Night EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP 7) (need feedback on progress for next Working Group telecon)
What about the UK ? • RAS undertakes the top-level organisation – Web-page at www. astronomy 2009. co. uk just set-up yesterday • Oversight committee comprising – RAS, FAS, BAA, SPA, NAW, ROG, AAE, Io. P, Astronomy Now, Ecsite, SHA, STFC, FT. , which I chair. • Two meetings held, mainly concentrating on the nonprofessional astronomy pool – the NAM is the launch point for the professional activists • Next step to formulate a single Funding Proposal for a Project Manager to take on the organisational tasks and run the webpage etc. • Formulate calls for proposals for IYA 2009 STFC Funding in the most coherent fashion
UK ideas – just starting to be formulated • Universal Astronomy Day – unanimous support for the commemoration of the 40 th anniversary of the Apollo landing, July 21 st. [The week between July 21 and 26 turns out to be a key week because of the Lunar landing, the total solar eclipse (22 nd) and the (British) Thomas Harriot celebration (26 th). Astronomy week or Moon. Week? ]
UK ideas so far • • • ‘Give-away’ telescopes for the public Telescopes for schools Film documentary about Thomas Harriot Astro. Fest focus BAA National Science Week ASE January Conference NAM focus ? Stately Homes and Holst Planets concerts Starparties Visitor Centre and Planetarium special events The Crawford Collection World Tour
Your role in the university community • • Ideas welcome Get involved Work with local astronomical (etc) societies Use the occasion to advertise your department – let your Dean/VC know where the action is • Let your local community know what you all do and how exciting astronomy is • Enjoy
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