 First up today is a reminder that we’re in the middle of Astronomy Week, which runs from April 27-May 3. Astronomy Day is this Saturday, May 2, and has the theme of “Bringing Astronomy to the People”. Groups across
Canada
will be holding day-time and night-time events on Saturday. I can tell you that there are events happening in
Kingston
, Kitchener-Waterloo,
Niagara
,
Peterborough
,
Victoria
,
Edmonton
, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Canada Science and
Technology
Museum
. I’m sure there are many more events planned, so check with your local RASC group, university, science center, or planetarium to find out what’s going on in your area. You can also see the RASC’s Astronomy Day page for more information. And also have a look at the Astronomical League’s Astronomy Day page.
Next I want to tell you about some new IYA projects. Portal to the Universe is an IYA Cornerstone project that uses the latest web technologies, and “aims to be a one-stop-shop for astronomy news.” On their website, you can find the latest astronomy news, podcasts, and blogs. It’s very up-to-date and definitely worth checking regularly.
Another Cornerstone project, She is an Astronomer, also recently launched. Recognizing that ~25% of all professional astronomers are women, the goals of this project are “to provide information to female professional and amateur astronomers, students, and those interested in the gender equality problem in science and provide a focal point and forum for women in astronomy.”
 I will also give you the good news that the long-awaited Galileoscope is finally in production, and will begin shipping mid-June. Please go to their website for more information, and to order.
 I’ll finish off today with two interesting Canadian stories. First, the CHFT - IYA2009 imaging contest for amateur astronomy clubs in
Canada
. Canadian amateur astronomy clubs can win up to two hours of time on the CFHT (see picture on right), using its wonderful MegaCAM (optical) or WIRCam (near-infrared) imaging cameras. Go to this website for more information about the contest, which has a deadline of July 3. You might also want to have a look at the CFHT website.
 The second story is a philatelic one. During 100 Hours of Astronomy on April 2, Canada Post released two stamps featuring images taken with the CFHT (see picture below). One stamp honours the CFHT, while the other honours the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) outside
Victoria
. More information is available from Canada Post.
That’s it for today. Let’s hope for clear skies for Astronomy Day, and we’ll talk again soon. Next time we’ll go to either
Saskatoon
or
Winnipeg
… Be sure to send us your IYA reports and pictures, and put yourself in the running for the telescope prize! And we encourage you to take part in the SkyNews Forum, where you can discuss all manner of things astronomical.
'Till next time,
Terry |
Wednesday, April 29, 2009