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From the Feb. 7, 2009, Stargazer column #498...
This is a special year for astronomers, both professional and amateur, throughout the world--not for unusual events in the night sky, but for what will be happening here on Earth.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have designated 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy "to foster a global appreciation of the role and value of science and astronomy as a unifying activity for humanity."
With objectives like "Increase scientific awareness..." and "Support...science education," the IYA2009 relates as much to science in general as to the field of astronomy.
And given the attacks on science in recent years--with some
still occurring in Texas--it couldn't come any too soon. With the
theme, The Universe, Yours to Discover, this joint science-
astronomy emphasis is fitting. Astronomy is widely held to be the
oldest science, and the fascination so many hold for the cosmos
makes it is an excellent vehicle for promoting science.
Consider the Hubble Space Telescope. Not only is it a remarkable
scientific tool, but it is perhaps the most popular scientific
instrument ever built, making it one of astronomy's and science's
best ambassadors to the public. In two decades it has dazzled us
with many thousands of images ranging from nearby solar system
neighbors to distant galaxies, quasars and other cosmic exotics
in the most remote corners of the universe.
Astronomy is one of the few sciences in which amateurs still contribute and make discoveries. An example is the partnering of the Central Texas Astronomical Society, an organization of amateurs, with McDonald Observatory and the University of Texas-Austin's Department of Astronomy. Using CTAS's 24-inch research-
quality telescope at its observatory outside of Waco, TX, amateurs collect data on white dwarfs which UT astronomers then use in their study of these dying stars.
And why 2009? This year marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of modern observational astronomy when, in 1609, Galileo first used a telescope to study the heavens. It is also the 40th anniversary of the first Moon landing by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
- To learn about IYA2009 national and global activities, go to www.astronomy2009.org.
- Below are some Central Texas places and events celebrating IYA2009 as well as astronomy and stargazing in general. If you know of events not listed here, please send details to paulderrickwaco@aol.com so I can post them.
- For those living beyond Central Texas, perhaps your area has an observatory, planetarium or astronomy club hosting events. See www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations for a listing of such organizations.
- And finally, if you would like to arrange a free public program or star party in your community, contact me (paulderrickwaco@aol.com) and maybe we can work something out.
