IYA 2009 ACTIVITIES

IYA 2009

2009 is going to be a big year for astronomy because it has been designated by the United Nations as ‘The INTERNATIONAL YEAR of ASTRONOMY’ (IYA 2009) to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first use of a telescope to study the night sky. Historical research has determined that Galileo sketched details of the Moon in November and December 1609 whilst using his telescope that had a magnification of x20.

Galileo’s observing and then reporting his many astronomical discoveries started a revolution in humanity’s understanding of the universe that continues unabated to this day.

IYA 2009 ACTIVITIES

Upcoming Events

#3 CELESTIA PHOTOGRAPHIA

The Perth Observatory presents 'Celestia Photographica', an exhibition of astronomy images taken by their resident astrophotographer, Richard Tonello as well as contributing astrophotographers (and part-time Observatory volunteers) Vic and Ben Levis.

Celestia Photographica was officially launched at Scitech on 19th February. It is on display throughout IYA2009 at various locations throughout the year.

Past Events

#6 Landscope Expedition -"An Astronomical Odyssey: Exploring sites of astronomical significance in Western Australia"

In the International Year of Astronomy, join the Government Astronomer from Perth Observatory, Dr James Biggs, on a journey through the Central, Midwest and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia visiting significant historical, modern day and future astronomical sites. The clear outback skies will also provide the opportunity to undertake astronomical observations with professional astronomers.

Got to the astronomy expeditions page for more information on this event.

#5 100 Hours of Astronomy in Kings Park

Perth Observatory and Kings Park have teamed up to provide members of the public the opportunity of viewing celestial objects with telescopes on April 2, 3, 4 and 5. See the Perth Observatory 100 Hours of Astronomy webpage for more details.

Unsolicited testimonials

Your 100 Hours of Astronomy in Kings Park was a most wonderful event. Please pass on our thanks to the organisers. We had a lovely family picnic on Sunday and truly enjoyed all your hard work and organisation.

I. M., North Perth.

I got up to Kings Park on the Saturday night - and very much enjoyed the informal atmosphere and eclectic group of people. It was fun :) Thanks very much.

J. T., Warnbro

#4 Ask an Astronomer at Boffins Bookshop (Perth City)

Ever wanted to ask an astronomer a question about the bright lights you saw in the sky last night, or the Big Bang etc? Boffins Bookshop and Perth Observatory will give you that opportunity on the last two days of March. Boffins will also have a wide range of astronomy books on display including the WA Astronomy Almanac.

#2 "Under the Stars" Summer Lecture

What do we know about the Universe?

LECTURER:

Professor Matthew Colless

Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, Sydney

Consult the IYA2009 Summer Lecture page for more details.

#1 New Year's Day 2009: Thursday is Sun Day in Kings Park

On Thursday 1 January 2009, visitors to Kings Park and Botanic Garden have the amazing and unique opportunity to directly see the Sun in a safe way. Astronomers from the Perth Observatory will be showing people the Sun through a solar telescope located near the War Memorial (opposite Aspects of Kings Park).

Learn about the Sun and how it powers our planet, bringing life and beauty to the ecosystems so wonderfully displayed in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Look out for more collaborative activities in 2009, with the Perth Observatory and the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority together helping to celebrate 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. Please be aware, all telescope activity is subject to suitable, clear skies and good weather.

REMEMBER: NEVER look at the Sun with the unaided eye or with an optical instrument. You may suffer permanent eye damage.

Caption: the Sun © NASA.