International Year of Astronomy
The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global 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".
In Canada, the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA), the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and the Federation des Astronomes Amateurs du Quebec (FAAQ) are working together to develop the Canadian activities. We also have participation from the National Research Council and the Canadian Space Agency, as well as representatives of the planetarium and science centre communities. In addition, given the long-standing importance of the night skies to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and other countries, we are encouraging a strong participation of Canada's First Nations and Inuit communities.
What is the RASC planning to do? Of the IYACC identified activities, those which most naturally fit our strengths include:
- The Galileo Moment. The RASC and the FAAQ are expected to co-lead this activity, however we plan to communicate with and hopefully involve many of the non-RASC/FAAQ clubs across the country.
- Student Astronomy Kit: A kit of material and assemble-and-decorate-it-yourself items that would enable youngsters to observe astronomical phenomena and record their observations, perhaps at a central Web site.
- Dark-Sky Preserves and Reserves across Canada: To promote and help create places within Canada's vast frontier where people can go to enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing the stars and constellations, as our pioneer ancestors did.
Please refer to the following links: