Tell us about International Year of Astronomy’s impact

Tell us about International Year of Astronomy’s impact

Posted 09-10-2009 by Liz Kruesi

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’m working on Astronomy’s article ranking the top 10 space stories of the past year. One of those stories is that 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. The year has had so many events marking this celebration that it’s hard to narrow down what I should write about. So what events did you find the most impressive? 100 Hours of Astronomy, which occurred back in April? The Earth to the Universe exhibit that could be seen at various non-traditional locations throughout the world?

What events did you attend? And what did you find made the most impact?

Comments (2) | Tags: astronomy magazine, Liz Kruesi, outreach, IYA2009

Comments

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suitti said:

I've attend about an event per month this year. I belong to the two largest clubs in the Detroit Metro area. That gives me more opportunities.

The most exciting project going on this year is the restoration of the Lincoln Park High School Observatory (also called the Hector J. Robinson Observatory). Built in 1961 by a teacher and students, it quickly fell into disuse after the teacher retired. It was refurbished and used briefly in the mid 70's. This year, the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club (FAAC) got a grant from Toshiba for a brand new telescope, and with other help and lots of volunteer time, the observatory is going back online. But this time, it's doubtful that it will close. Ever. That's because the 100+ active member club will have access to the observatory to perform outreach and teaching events forever. It's not down to one or two people. Just rebuilding the observatory wouldn't be as big a deal. The ribbon cutting ceremony is on Tuesday the 15th. There's some info here: boonhill.net/.../index.htm

The Ford club also has started a monthly half hour astronomy video program for local cable public access (astronomyforeveryone.org). Some of the volunteers for the observatory were interviewed for the August show. That can be found here:

www.deygroup.com/telescope.htm

but especially, the video (> 1GB):

www.deygroup.com/.../Astronomy_for_Everyone_Episode_3.mpg

It's hard to imagine how either club could step up activities in 2010.

September 10, 2009 1:07 PM
Hothersale said:

I haven't attended any IYA events, so I'm afraid I can't comment on a single one of them. Nevertheless, the International Year of Astronomy has had very a big impact on me because it finally motivated me to purchase a telescope -- I've been interested in astronomy all my life but for some reason have never pursued it.

As a nine-year-old child, I watched Carl Sagan's Cosmos series with awe, and I have devoured astronomy documentaries ever since. Then one day a few months ago, I saw an ad for the Celestron IYA Firstscope. For less than $50, I figure I didn't have much to lose, so I ran out and purchased one. The optics weren't all that great, but the views of the moon and Jupiter that it gave me were more than enough to whet my appetite. A couple of months later a purchased an 8" scope that I have enjoyed tremendously all summer long. The only real downside has been the sleep deprivation. 8^) Never before have I so looked forward to the long nights of winter!

September 12, 2009 12:51 PM