Is 2009 Really the Year of Astronomy?

In summary, the year 2009 was chosen as the international year of astronomy to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations and Kepler's publication of Astronomia nova. It will be a good opportunity to learn more about astro/cosmology and there are various events planned for IYA 2009.
  • #1
mjsd
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I heard that this year is the Year of Astronomy. Being a "physicist" at the university, a local science teacher invited me to help out with writing some talks/presentations for the students at their high school on the topics of astrophysics...

So, why 2009? What is so special? What is going to happen? Just a public relation thing or the scientific community have something special install? What are the views of the researchers in the Astronomy sector on this?

comments welcomed :smile:
 
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  • #2
It might be a good opportunity to touch on some basics, like the Hubble redshift-distance relation, and put that in some historical perspective. As a very prominent observational astronomer wrote me in 1988 after attending the "Cosmology in Retrospect" symposium (and having reviewed Hubble's papers) "Hubble always said 'if the redshift means velocity', and even in a paper published in 1953 after his death, he said 'c x z = velocity is not formally correct.' " The proponents of the Big Bang (Gamow et al) seized on Hubble's work to "prove" expansion, though Hubble was reluctant to endorse that. He was a cautious and conservative observer.
 
  • #3
mjsd said:
So, why 2009? What is so special?

Formally, 2009 being chosen as the international year of astronomy is because it commemorates both the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations and Kepler's publication of Astronomia nova.
 
  • #4
thanks for the comments.



Nabeshin said:
Formally, 2009 being chosen as the international year of astronomy is because it commemorates both the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations and Kepler's publication of Astronomia nova.

oh, is that why eh? ok... :smile:

either way, should be a good opportunity for me to learn more about astro/cosmology...
 
  • #6

1. What is the significance of 2009 being declared the Year of Astronomy?

2009 was declared the Year of Astronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in order to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations with a telescope. It also aimed to promote astronomy and its contributions to science and culture.

2. What events were held during the 2009 Year of Astronomy?

Various events were held globally throughout 2009, including public lectures, exhibitions, and stargazing events. Some notable events included the International Year of Astronomy Opening Ceremony in Paris, France and the Galileoscope distribution initiative, which aimed to provide affordable telescopes to the public.

3. How did the 2009 Year of Astronomy impact scientific research?

The 2009 Year of Astronomy helped to increase public interest in astronomy and encouraged more people to pursue careers in STEM fields. It also led to advancements in technology, such as the development of new telescopes and space missions, which have furthered our understanding of the universe.

4. Who supported the 2009 Year of Astronomy?

The 2009 Year of Astronomy was supported by various organizations, including UNESCO, the IAU, and the European Space Agency. It also received support from individual astronomers, science educators, and enthusiasts around the world.

5. What is the legacy of the 2009 Year of Astronomy?

The 2009 Year of Astronomy left a lasting impact on public interest in astronomy and science education. It also fostered international collaborations and partnerships in the field of astronomy. The Galileoscope distribution initiative has continued to provide affordable telescopes to the public, allowing more people to engage with the wonders of the universe.

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