International Year Of Astronomy 2009

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 12:34

The International year of Astronomy 2009 is all set for a kick start. It is launched by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The theme of IYA2009 is "The Universe, yours to discover".

The various events of IYA2009 are described on the national website as well as astronomy2009.org. The opening ceremony of IYA2009 will be held in Paris on 15 and 16 January 2009. The event will witness important speakers and Nobel Laureates with live telecast feed to the scientists working in remote locations.

Various nations are going to hold their own opening ceremony in January and February, thus highlighting their dedication to the new year. Over 30 countries are going to involve in the IYA2009 Solar Physics Group for the grand campaign at more than 150 venues. This will involve amateur stargazers set up their telescopes on pavements as well as in science centers, letting passers-by observe the Sun using special safety equipment.

The year 2009 will also see release of the official site of Cosmic Diary, that features the various activities of the entire year. Over 50 bloggers from 35 countries that are employed by reputed organizations such as ESO, NASA, ESA and JAXA have begun compiling content related to the events in their lives and the challenges in the work they conduct.

The main aim of the IYA2009 is to have a widespread public involvement and many amateur astronomers are also involved in organizing the events.

The main highlights of the events in 2009 to look out is the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, occurring on 22 July 2009 and lasting 6 minutes 39 seconds over a narrow corridor through countries including India, Bangladesh and China. Also a generous shower of Leonid meteors is expected in mid-November 2009. The forecasters predict upwards of an incredible 500 shooting stars per hour.

The giant Jupiter will appear at dusk in mid-October in the northern hemisphere, a time when the common public can take a glimpse of the planet and its moons. AGENCIES