Australian Sky & Telescope - March/April 2008

2009 Approaches

The International Year of Astronomy is nearly upon us

SIX DAYS before Christmas, the United Nations General Assembly formally proclaimed 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. The theme of the year is “The Universe: Yours To Discover”.

To reiterate from my editorial in the May/June issue last year, the International Year of Astronomy is, in the words of the organising body, “first and foremost an activity for the citizens of Planet Earth. It aims to convey the excitement of personal discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in it, and the value of the scientific culture.”

Last year, here in Australia, an Advisory Group was established to assist the Working Group in planning and delivering activities for our participation in the International Year of Astronomy (www.astronomy2009.org.au). As Editor of Australian Sky & Telescope magazine, I’m a member of that Advisory Group.

I’m quite excited about what the year can potentially begin.

As I mentioned at the Advisory Group’s inaugural meeting last June, there’s an incredible latent interest in astronomy among people. I see it all around me, wherever I go. Special events such as the Apollo Moon programme in 1969 and Halley’s Comet in 1986 saw that fascination crystallise into visible participation.

Every year, millions of telescopes are bought around the world. There are plenty here in Australia, and “scope” for more. Over the last 23 years, I’ve shown thousands of people the night sky through an assortment of telescopes. If you have a telescope, be sure to show other people the beauty of the night. It’s a great inspiration to get more involved in astronomy.

As publicised in this issue, the National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers, being held this year at Penrith from March 21-24, will be holding a round-table discussion on how amateurs and amateur clubs can participate in the International Year of Astronomy, at both a national and international level. Members of Australia’s IYA Working Group will be involved in that discussion.

The following Saturday, March 29, will see Earth Hour take place again, where people are encouraged to turn off unnecessary lighting for an hour from 8pm. The initiative, which began in Sydney last year, is starting to take off around the world. This year’s timing sees no Moon in the evening sky, so it’s a great opportunity to observe the night sky, and to encourage others.

When key events for 2009 – the International Year of Astronomy – are confirmed and formally announced, you’ll read more within these pages, and of course we’ll have coverage throughout 2009.

From my perspective, the future looks very exciting!

Greg Bryant

Editor

Australian Sky & Telescope

editor@austskyandtel.com.au