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The International Year of Astronomy 2009
(IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people. CHECK IT OUT IYA2009 CANADA PROGRAM

	CELEBRATE IYA 2009

	International Program

	National Program

	Astro North Program

	Community Stars

	NWT PROJECTS

	The Legendary Sky

	Aurora Borealis Outreach

	Solar Maximum Outreach

	Northern Sky Modules

	Community SkyGuide

	IYA CORNERSTONES

	Galileoscope

	100 Hours of Astronomy

	Universe Awareness

	She is an Astronomer

	Dark Skies Awareness

	From Earth to the Universe

	Cosmic Diary

	Portal to the Universe

	Universal Treasures

	Teacher Training

	Developing Astronomy

International Year of Astronomy 2009
National Program

About IYA 2009

For National IYA news and activities, check out www.astronomy2009.ca or visit the International site at www.astronomy2009.org

		Kick-Off Events
The International Year of Astronomy kicks off in Canada at the Canadian Science and Technology Museum on January 8 with the release of a Mi'kmaq presentation of traditional stories about the Big Bear, followed January 10 at the Ontario Science Centre with a full day of presentations and demonstrations

		Astronomy North
Astronomy North is one of many volunteer astronomy organizations in Canada that will undertake a series of astronomy projects and community outreach activities during the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. Our objectives are to increase participation in northern astronomy and to expand the local knowledge base in the Northwest Territories.

		Galileo's Telescope
By April 1609 three-powered spyglasses could be bought in spectacle-maker's shops on the Pont Neuf in Paris, and four months later there were several in Italy, however It was Galileo who made the instrument famous. He constructed his first three-powered spyglass in June or July 1609, presented an eight-powered instrument to the Venetian Senate in August, and turned a twenty-powered instrument to the heavens in October or November. With this instrument (fig. 5) he observed the Moon, discovered four satellites of Jupiter, and resolved nebular patches into stars. He published Sidereus Nuncius in March 1610. Source: The Galileo Project IYA Special Project: 400 Year of the Telescope

		UN and UNESCO
IYA2009 is a truly unprecedented opportunity to present astronomy to the global public. It is also seen as an international effort to unite developed and developing countries under one universal theme, which is why it has earned the endorsement of UNESCO and the UN General Assembly, proclaiming the event to be a year-long, world-wide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's development and use of the telescope and his other contributions to science.

		The World At Night
The World At Night is an excellent example of an International Year of Astronomy special project. TWAN is a new program to create and exhibit a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a nighttime backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events. Another special project to check out The Sky-Yours To Discover.

		100 Hours of Astronomy
100 Hours of Astronomy is one of the biggest cornerstone events of IYA 2009. Join astronomers at professional research observatories around the world will take viewers inside their telescope domes and control rooms during a live 24-hour webcast on 3 April. Plus, International Sidewalk Astronomy Night (ISAN) joins 100 Hours of Astronomy this year to hold the biggest public outreach event ever!

Coast to Coast Canadian Astronomy

In Canada, hundreds of volunteers from across the country – from major cities to small communities – are coming together to ensure Canada meets its national IYA goal:

"To offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in Canada, and to cultivate partnerships to sustain public interest in astronomy."

A full national program will be implemented in the coming months, with a full spectrum of activities for everyone to enjoy.

National Program Initiatives

• Galileo Moment is an effort to offer all Canadians the possibility of enjoying a ‘Galileo Moment’ sometime during 2009.

• The Official IYA2009 Astronomy Kit is a fascinating teaching tool, containing materials and activities that are geared to specific grade levels and board curricula across Canada.

• Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples: Historical Knowledge of the Heavens will develop the Canadian Aboriginal dimension within IYA 2009. Archeo-astronomy and Aboriginal Astronomy are also a component of the International activities.

• Dark Skies Preserves focuses on educating communities and governments about the importance of protecting dark skies. This is led by the RASC's Light Abatement Committee, a group that advocates for the creation of Dark Sky preserves throughout Canada – a true legacy project! The City of Edmonton is also participating in dark skies awareness with the Lights Down Stars Up initiative.

• Heavenly Arts & Entertainment includes music and theatre events, art and image shows, and multicultural activities that all offer opportunities to partner with local astronomers to create Galileo Moments.

• Planetaria / Science Centres across Canada will feature the stars, planets, auroras and more.

• “Galileo’s Legacy – Discovering the Universe in the 21st Century” is a series of outstanding lectures by top Canadian astronomers.

• Astronomy Student Blog is an online project showcasing university students from across Canada.

• One Hundred Hours of Astronomy will be held April 2-5, and includes 24 hours of live feeds from observatories across the globe, as well as diverse activities in schools and communities.

• Canada Post will introduce a series of astronomy-themed stamps to commemorate IYA. These collector’s items will be premiered at a special cancellation ceremony during the 100 Hours of Astronomy in April 2009.

Canadian IYA Events

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