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Anything and everything about science, especially astronomy and the cosmos.

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Visit my web site at
TheSpaceWriter.com
for astronomy info, stargazing thoughts, and reviews and recommendations for astronomy-related goodies!




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C.C. Petersen

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I'm a science writer and editor. I work with clients in the observatory and planetarium community, as well as my own book, web, planetarium, and other projects.

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1.18.2008



A Year of Astronomy






A hundred countries (and counting) have signed on to participate in the International Year of Astronomy, which runs throughout calendar year 2009. The IYA planners envision the year as a time when people take renewed interest in astronomy and science, from school children to members of the general public and the astronomy community (both professional and amateur).

On their web page the International Astronomical Union, which is spearheading the organization of IYA 2009, states:

The vision of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) is to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. All humans should realize the impact of astronomy and basic sciences on our daily lives, and understand better how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society.

Now, we're a planet full of people, all with different languages, philosophies, levels of income, education, science interest, and political backgrounds. How can astronomy be something we can all appreciate? It's pretty simple really: we all have access to the sky. There isn't anywhere on Earth where you can't look up and see the sky, day or night. Granted some places have hazy, light-polluted skies. But, even in the worst places, you can see a few stars at night or the Sun, or the Moon. Astronomy is universal.

And that's the beauty of International Year of Astronomy. Anybody can do something with it, as long as it's related to the "Cornerstone Projects" that the IAU and IYA planners have developed. What are those projects?


  • 100 Hours of Astronomy
  • The Galileoscope
  • The Cosmic Diary
  • The Portal to the Universe
  • She is an Astronomer
  • Dark Skies Awareness
  • Astro&World Heritage
  • Galileo Teacher Training Program
  • Universe Awareness
  • From Earth to the Universe
  • Developing Astronomy Globally

You can read more about these projects the IYA home page linked above. I'm particularly interested in the Galileo scope, the Portal to the Universe, and the She is an Astronomer projects. Check out the pages and see if there isn't a project that excites you to participate, in whatever way you can.

Labels: ,

posted by CCP on 1/18/2008 10:16:00 PM | * |

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Earth Hour!

Do it for the Planet!

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Planetarium-related

Loch Ness Productions
Purveyors of fine planetarium shows, music, and services.

INTENSELY Good Space Music
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My cool astronomy cause:
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Join up today!

Science

The sites below belong to space and astronomy enthusiasts. I make every effort to check them and make sure they are still appropriate. However, I am not responsible for their content, nor do I endorse any of it by simply linking to them. As with all Web surfing, please exercise caution.


Adot's Notblog
A fellow traveler blogger and astronomy enthusiast!

Astronomy Blog
An astronomy blog pondering the big questions

Astronomy Cast
Astronomy Podcasting from Pamela Gay

BadAstronomy.com
Bad astronomy discussed and debunked along with fun stuff about really good astronomy!

Chris Lintott's Universe
Musings from an Oxford Astronomer.

Cosmic Variance
Random Samplings from a Universe of Ideas.

Dave P's Astronomy blog
Observational Astronomy and other TidBits

European Southern Observatory
Fine Ground-based astronomy images.

Gemini Observatory
Fine astronomy in infrared and visible wavelengths.

Griffith Observatory's page.
I wrote their exhibits!

Observing The Sky
Nightly Observation Reports from dedicated skygazers.

The Official String Theory Web Site. Time to feed your mind!

Pharyngula
Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal. Cast off your blinders and come on in!

Science Made Cool
A compendium of discoveries, inventions and commentary.

Slacker Astronomy
Astronomy with a Slacker Twist.

Space Telescope Science Institute
The best from Hubble Space Telescope

The Eternal Golden Braid
Astronomy, Space Science, and Science Fiction Commentary.

The Inoculated Mind
Bills Itself as a weekly science mindcast. Thought-provoking, honest.


Truth.

Unique

The Hairy Museum of Natural History
Defies description. Just go there (yes, it's safe for work).

Olduvai George
Absolutely fantastic natural history illustrations from a master.



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Links to My Site
Alternate Reality
An awful waste of space
Asa Dotzler - Firefox and more
A Song of November
Astroprof's Page
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Space/Astronomy
Bad Astronomy blog
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Bohemian Mama
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Colony Worlds
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Dick's Rocket Dungeon
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Fly me to the Moon
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NYC Nova Hunter
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