100 Hours of Astronomy

This project is basically 100 hours of astronomy events starting April 2 and continuing until April 5, 2009. There are two main parts of the project - research observatories and "sidewalk astronomy"   Astronomers Without Borders is taking the lead on the "sidewalk astronomy" part of the project which covers 1) sidewalk astronomy, 2) science centers, and 3) schools. We have joined the project and are basically handling 1) sidewalk astronomy but will be using our network as support for the other areas.  The project calls for a 24 hour worldwide public star party to be the central point of these 100 hours, so we are planning the 3^rd  ISAN  to be held on April 4, expanding it to include more traditional public astronomy events. While we still want guys out there ambushing the public with telescopes, we also want clubs to hold big events. We hope to have live video and audio feeds during the event and also live podcasts.

We'll need amateurs to plan several events before and after ISAN and are looking for a wide variety of event types and locations. We want to have events everywhere possible - every city in every country. Events will be held at observatories, museums, science centers, planetariums, city parks, libraries, on cruise ships and airplanes, on military bases - anywhere there are people who need a chance to see the sky and want to be a part of this historic event.

We want events that reflect the diversity of our cultures and locations. We need everyone on the planet to attend, so we need big events and small events and events in out of the way places - small islands, far northern Siberia, Antarctica,  - we want to reach everyone. And we don't want to leave anyone out - we need to go to people that can't come to us, people in retirement homes, hospitals, deaf schools, etc.  

Get creative, forge relationships with others in your area and not just astronomers. Partner with clubs interested in our planet and those that live on it - nature groups, animal concern organizations, human rights and environmental groups. Contact the local rocket club, theater group, local bands, remote controlled airplane clubs, ham radio clubs - use your imagination.

Some ideas for events:

·Observing at planetariums, etc.  in support of their programs

·Traditional sidewalk events at various locations

·100 hour observing marathons- with special focus on ISAN Global Star Party

Galileoscope

This program wants to get 10 million people looking through a telescope in 2009. Part of the project is to make small, inexpensive telescopes available for a small price (approx. $4) that members of the public could take home with them. Another area they are working on is a "telescope amnesty" program where people bring in telescopes they've purchased but no longer use.

Our role in this project will be helping those 10 million people get a chance to look through a telescope. If we can expand current activities of local clubs and programs developed as part of 100 Hours of Astronomy and ISAN, we will greatly increase the chances of success. We will also possibly assist in helping to distribute the small telescope kits and helping to coordinate the exchange of telescope from those who have them and don't use them to those who want them but can't afford them.

More information on this program will be available in the coming weeks.

Looking Through a Telescope and Dark Sky Awareness

We don't have a lot of information on these projects yet, please check IYA's website www.astronomy2009.org for more information. We're just starting to get involved in these projects and will keep you updated.