International Year of Astronomy 2009
Introduction
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. 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.” IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations. More than 130 countries are already involved.
The IYA2009 Canada Committee (IYACC) is a partnership of organizations in Canada involved in communicating astronomy as a science and hobby with the public and students. It is organizing and coordinating Canadian endeavours to celebrate the IYA2009. The primary IYA partner organizations include the RASC, the Fédération des Astronomes Amateurs du Québec (FAAQ), and the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA). Others involved include the Hertzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and representatives from the media, planetarium and science centre communities. The RASC is represented on the executive committee by Dave Lane (RASC President and Kim Hay (Education Committee Chair). Peter Jedicke and Scott Young (Past Presidents) are members of the advisory committee.
International Objectives
Some of the major goals of IYA 2009 are to:
- Increase scientific awareness.
- Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences.
- Support and improve formal and informal science education.
- Provide a modern image of science and scientists.
- Facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones.
- Facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.
Canadian Objectives
The IYACC supports the international goals and maintains regular communications with the international committee through the single point of contact: Jim Hesser of the HIA. The IYACC has identified seven key Canadian activities and some additional ideas. The primary activities that the RASC will be participating in are the Galileo Moment and Dark Sky Preserves. Early in 2008, the RASC conducted an internal request for proposals from its members, Centres, and Committees. By summer of 2008, six projects were approved for funding. Additional funding commitments from the RASC, sponsorship and fund raising from members has allowed the total RASC financial commitment for IYA projects to increase to $46,500 (as of November 2008).
Materials relating to 4 out of the 6 projects ready to be printed or at the printers now, with distribution to Centre's and IYA partners expected by mid December. Make sure your Centre is listed as the RASC IYA liaisons by sending a note to Kim Hay at cdnspooky at persona dot ca in order to make sure you have supplies for your IYA2009 events.
Image for download -use in Posters and Presentations
(The table has been updated as of Dec 14, 2008)
| Project Title | Project Leader | Project Description | Project Proposal | Project Prototype |
| Sidewalk Astronomer | Brian Battersby | Project Leader: Brian Battersby Status: Complete and at Distribution Centre Sidewalk Astronomer Handbook: Booklet geared to younger children as an entry level to astronomy. This is an eight-page double-sided booklet with simple observations and log forms to record them. A Moon Map is to be included: The Moon is viewable from anywhere, both day and night. The Moon map will be printed on light cardstock, one side will be the Moon, and the other side will carry information on prominent features to be viewed with binoculars and telescopes. Once all observations are completed, this will be sent to the nearest Centre for verification, and a certificate will be sent to the participant. There will be 24,000 booklets printed and distributed to Centres and others. These can also be used after IYA2009. | Sidewalk Astronomer |  |
| Astronomy Trading Cards | Jennifer West | Project Leader: Jennifer West Status: Complete and at Distribution Centre Astronomy Trading Cards: colour images of seven different designs (Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, nebula, cluster, and galaxy) with information on each in English and French, plus a link to the IYA site. These will be keeper and collector cards. There is good indication that this project may be scaled up significantly. Once the increased amount is printed, these will be distributed to include Centres, FAAQ, Schools and star parties. These will be printed and sent to Centres for distribution in 2009. These will be numbered and used as a tracking tool as we work toward the goal of one million “Galileo Moments” in Canada. | Astronomy Trading Cards |  |
| Mary Lou's First Telescope- Children's Book | New Brunswick Centre | Project Leader: Don Kelly Status: Complete and shipping to Distribution Centre $4800 - Childrens’ Story Book: Two members at one Centre have written a children’s story about a young girl who discovers astronomy, but whose efforts to explore the night sky are frustrated by light pollution in her neighbourhood. She learns of a way to overcome this problem. The Centre proposes to produce an 8-page booklet to tell the story and to provide astronomy activities as well. The booklet would be a handout targeted for youth across Canada. | Children's Book |  |
| Star Finder | Ron MacNaughton | Project Leader: Ron MacNaugton Status: Complete and at the Distribution Centre $9170 - Star Finder: An enhanced cardboard planisphere, with Milky Way, planets, bright stars, and variable stars. Information on these objects, the RASC, and IYA2009 will be included. There will be a print run of 30,000 sent to Centres for distribution in 2009, with the aim of achieving a “Galileo Moment” experience by finding objects in the night sky. The Star Finder can be used for years to come, with updates available on the RASC Web site. This is also available for download from the Star Finder page. | Star Finder |  |
| Light- Pollution Committee Program | Rob Dick | Project Leader: Rob Dick Status: Ongoing $9000 - Light-Pollution Abatement Awareness Campaign: The goal of this Program is to reduce light pollution by:
This proposed RASC IYA 2009 Program Plan includes initiatives proposed by the LPAC, Centre LPA Groups, and individuals. The Program takes advantage of the grass roots organization of Centres and the broader influence of the National Society and potential economy of developing national resources for local use. Posters, education resources, use of Sky Quality meters, working with the media and Dark-Sky Parks, Urban Sky Parks, will also be used to promote and educate people on the topic of Light Pollution. | LPAC Program |  |