[Iya2009_newsletter] IYA2009 Update

[Pedro Russo]

Dear friends,

Here are some IYA2009 updates from the last week.

International Astronomical Union celebrates its 90th anniversary during 
IYA2009
Of the many special anniversaries occurring throughout 2009, one of the 
most important marks 90 years since the formation of the International 
Astronomical Union (IAU). Read about it here: 
http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/388/

IYA2009 Planets & Pictures World Tour
For tour dates of Astronomical Pictures at an Exhibition (APE) & Gustav 
Holst's The Planets (TP), please see: 
http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/395/ and for photos from 
previous shows, visit: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/josefranciscosalgado/sets/72157611312100860/

The origin of galaxies: lessons from the distant universe
ESF-FWF Conference in Partnership with LFUI in the framework of IYA2009: 
http://www.esf.org/index.php?id=5261
International UNAWE Workshop

4th International Universe Awareness (UNAWE) workshop taking place in 
Rio de Janeiro on Saturday and Sunday August 8-9, 2009: 
http://www.unawe.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=439:4th-international-unawe-workshop-rio-de-janeiro-brazil-august-8-9-2009&catid=211:international-workshops&Itemid=159

How does a country’s support for astronomy depend on its economy?
Astronomer John Hearnshaw gives some answers on his Cosmic Diary Blog: 
http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/john_hearnshaw/?p=428

Experience the Planets
Sunlight shining through the rings of Saturn. Planet-wide dust storms 
cloaking Mars in pale obscurity. Images such as these only emphasize 
nature's ability to amaze and inspire. But what haven't we seen in our 
own solar neighborhood? What fantastic vistas has science predicted but 
so far been unable to capture?
More information:http://www.experiencetheplanets.com/

Interview with Carmen A. Pantoja, Puerto Rican Single Point of Contact
Puerto Rico's SPoC is Carmen A. Pantoja, a radio astronomer working at 
the Department of Physics of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 
campus. The IYA2009 Secretariat caught up with Carmen to ask some 
questions about IYA2009, Puerto Rico, and the importance of astronomy. 
Read the interview here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/393/

Experience a virtual journey to the lunar Peak of Eternal Light during 
IYA2009
The first public showing of 'The Peak of Eternal Light', a new movie 
created using images taken by ESA's SMART-1 lunar orbiter, took place on 
20 July 2009 at the Ars Electronica Center (AEC), Linz, Austria. This 
movie was shown as part of a special event to mark the 40th anniversary 
of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, during this International Year of 
Astronomy. More information: 
http://astronomy2009.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=45347

Scoping out the Galileoscope: A Gscope review
Check the Galileoscope review on MSNBC Cosmic Log: 
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/07/22/2004797.aspx
Lunar mosaic earns a Guinness World Record
A team of astronomers in the UK have used specialist cameras and 
high-end amateur telescopes to produce a professional-quality mosaic of 
the Moon - earning them a Guinness World Record. For details, please 
see: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/389/

UNESCO Member States donate Galileoscopes
Galileoscopes are low-cost telescopes designed to let curious eyes peer 
at the night sky and unveil secrets of the heavens. Member States of the 
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation 
(UNESCO) are ensuring that as many countries as possible will receive 
some of these instruments. The following countries will each receive a 
minimum of 100 Galileoscopes: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, 
Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. To learn more about 
Galileoscopes, please visit the official website: 
https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/

Romania boosts IYA2009 with two high-profile events
Romanian IYA2009 enthusiasts are rightfully proud of two initiatives 
which have proved to be very successful. Learn about them here: 
http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/386/

IYA2009 Activities during the IAU GA in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
http://www.astronomy2009.org/events/IAUGA/iya2009/


If you need any assistance, remember that the Secretariat is always 
available for you.

Kind regards,

Pedro, Mariana and Lee
IYA2009 Secretariat



_________________________________________________
Pedro Russo
International Year of Astronomy 2009 Coordinator
Editor-in-Chief CAPjournal
International Astronomical Union
e. prusso at eso.org
p. +49 (0) 89 320 06 195
f. +49 (0) 89 320 06 703
w. www.astronomy2009.org / www.capjournal.org
a. IAU IYA2009 Secretariat
ESO education and Public Outreach Department
Karl-Schwarzschild-Strasse 2
D-85748 Garching bei München
Germany