Join us in the celebration

by Terry Bridges

We want to help you to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. We’ve got you connected to events and celebrations all across Canada, and want to hear from you with your stories, photos, and suggestions.

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a year-long, global celebration of astronomy launched by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union. 2009 was chosen because it is the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo. During 2009, there will be an exciting and diverse range of astronomical activities in 135 countries around the world, including Canada. These activities will include stargazing, telescope viewing, astronomical talks, school visits, teacher training, webcasts, blogging, astro cafes, visits to planetaria and science centers, art exhibits, and more! The central theme of the IYA is "The Universe, Yours to Discover”, and a key aim is to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science, especially in young people. In Canada, IYA activities are being organized by professional astronomers through the Canadian Astronomical Society, and by amateur astronomers through the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Federation des Astronomes Amateurs du Quebec.

At SkyNews, we want to share the excitement of IYA2009 with as many Canadians as possible. In order to do this, we have created new web pages devoted to IYA. Here you will find a calendar of Canadian IYA and other astronomy events, pictures and reports of Canadian IYA activities, and a blog which will highlight different groups and regions across the country and give you a chance to ask questions and discuss IYA and astronomy in general.  It's going to be a fantastic year for astronomy, and we hope that lots of you will take part!

Click HERE for details on how to submit your IYA stories.

A Canadian astronomer living in Kingston, Ontario, Terry Bridges completed his Ph.D. at Queen's University in 1992, and has worked in Toulouse and at the Royal Greenwich and Anglo-Australian Observatories. He is a member of the 100 Hours of Astronomy task group.