Looking through a telescope during the International Year of Astronomy 2009
Abstract
The main goal of the US IYA2009 effort is to offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in the country. Since the IYA is a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's introduction of the telescope to astronomy, the key engaging experience we'll offer is the opportunity to look through a small telescope at the celestial targets Galileo looked at. Another goal of the US IYA effort is to cultivate sustainable partnerships. In addition to their own programmes, local amateur astronomers will set up their scopes at events held by professional organisations, including NASA, universities, observatories, planetariums, and museums of science. The relationships forged during this large-scale collaboration for public outreach in astronomy will continue beyond 2009. Our "telescope amnesty" programme will invite people to bring their little-used telescopes to IYA2009 events, where astronomers will teach them how to use them and offer advice on repairs, improvements, and/or replacements, encouraging more people to stay involved in the hobby.
- Publication:
-
Communicating Astronomy with the Public
- Pub Date:
- June 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008ca07.conf..432F