International Year of Astronomy 2009 kicks off tomorrow (Saturday) at the Sechelt Public Library when The Royal Astronomical Society - Sunshine Coast Centre (RASC) hosts a special astronomy festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The United Nations has declared 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009) to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations and four centuries of astronomical discoveries ever since. Professional and amateur astronomers in Canada and worldwide are coming together to bring people in touch with the universe with star parties, planetarium shows, science exhibits, public lectures, arts and cultural events, observing sessions and more. The goal for the year long celebration in Canada is to create one million Galileo moments - an engaging astronomical experience for as many people as possible, which could be as eye-opening as looking through a telescope or borrowing one of the fascinating astronomy books from the library.
On Saturday the library will highlight its recently-acquired collection of astronomy books with displays and demonstrations.
The RASC will have telescopes on display, free star finder charts, trading cards for the kids, an ongoing audio visual presentation, children's colouring contests and activities, membership information and more.
Throughout this coming year, the local RASC Centre has an IYA 2009 speaker series planned, a sidewalk astronomy program and Astronomy in the Park star party. Other events are in the works, such as a possible concert under the stars, 100 hours of astronomy in early April and participation in Earth Hour March 28.
If you have an idea of how we can celebrate IYA 2009 on the Sunshine Coast, come to the library on Saturday or contact the RASC - Sunshine Coast Centre. For more information, see www.coastastronomy.ca and www.sechelt.bclibrary.ca/.
