April includes a key Cornerstone Project for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009), which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning the telescope to the heavens. Here’s what’s in store for you:
April 2009
NASA Theme: Galaxies and the distant universe
Featured object in the sky: The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
April 2-5:
Spend time trying to bring astronomy to a worldwide public with the 100 Hours of Astronomy IYA2009 Cornerstone Project. There are global events as well as local activities taking place at observatories, colleges, amateur astronomy clubs, planetariums, and museums around the world, and one major goal is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope. To learn more about global online events and activities to attend in your area, visit www.100hoursofastronomy.org.
April 7:
Saturn and an almost Full Moon are close (6° apart) in the night sky. See their exact positions in your night sky using Astronomy.com’s interactive star chart, StarDome.
April 10:
Watch the first U.S. broadcast of 400 Years of the Telescope on PBS television. I’ve had the opportunity to preview the program, and it’s definitely something to DVR and watch with the entire family.
April 21/22:
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks.
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