International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009)


The vision of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 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.

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover”. IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.

On this occasion, the Planetarium Science Center is organizing a series of programs and events:

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 Comes to an End!

From: 28 January 2010 To: 28 January 2010

The International Year of Astronomy came to an end. However, this could not have happened without a prestigious meeting in Padua, Italy. The meeting was held on 9-10 January 2010, where some of the Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) participating countries were invited to present activates organized in their countries during the year.


"She is an Astronomer" Camp

From: 08 December 2009 To: 09 December 2009

As a part of the international year of astronomy activities in Egypt, the Planetarium Science Center organized “She is an Astronomer” camp in Saint Catherine from 11-14 December 2009. The aim of the camp was to develop the female students thinking skills and to encourage females to pursue astronomy professionally. They have learned the importance of scientific problem solving and team work. These values are the cornerstone of building Egyptian future women astronomers and leaders.


"Arab Astronomers" Exhibition

From: 22 November 2009 To: 

With the aim of reviving the glory of Arab astronomers among youth through research and discovery work,the History of Science Museum (HSM) hosted an exhibition, “Arab Astronomers”, in October 2009 about astronomical tools from all over the world. The exhibition is still open to the public at the HSM, as it is meant to help competitors with their research and to raise the public awareness at large.


SEAC'2009

From: 25 October 2009 To: 01 November 2009

In an attempt to revive the astronomy vital role in the high technology culture of today, and on the occasion of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, the European Society for Astronomy in Culture (SEAC) held its 17th annual meeting, 25–31 October 2009, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), under the theme "From Alexandria to Al-Iskandariya, astronomy and culture in the ancient Mediterranean and beyond".


"Heavenly Pages" Exhibition

From: 22 June 2009 To: 21 July 2009

This exhibition displayed unique volumes by some of the most prominent European astronomers from the 15th to the 19th Century, in order to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009), in the context of the Egypt-Italy Science Year (EISY 2009).


Stars Workshops

From: 21 June 2009 To: 27 August 2009

Scientific workshops that aimed to bring astronomy closer to the students, and increase their awareness of its importance and its diverse inspirational aspects.


Solar System Workshops

From: 21 June 2009 To: 27 August 2009

These were scientific workshops that aimed to bring astronomy closer to the students, and increase their awareness of its importance and its diverse inspirational aspects.


Lectures

From: 21 June 2009 To: 27 August 2009

The PSC organized a series of lectures in collaboration with NASA and other specialized entities; the lectures tackled different aspects of astronomy and targeted mainly school and university students.


Videoconferences

From: 21 June 2009 To: 27 August 2009

The PSC organized a series of videoconferences in collaboration with NASA and other specialized entities, where the lectures tackled different aspects of astronomy and targeted mainly school and university students.


Astro-Club

From: 21 June 2009 To: 27 August 2009

1-day fieldtrips for a maximum number of 50 students.


Eratosthenes 2009

From: 20 June 2009 To: 21 June 2009

An annual event organized by the PSC in recognition of Eratosthenes, the Greek scientist of the Ancient Library of Alexandria, the festivity gives children of the 21st century the chance to conduct the 2000-year-old experiment developed by Eratosthenes to measure the Earth’s circumference.


International Day of Astronomy

From: 07 May 2009 To: 07 May 2009

An annual event intended to provide means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals.


Zoom Earth

From: 10 April 2009 To: 10 April 2009

“Zoom Earth” program is concerned with observations of Earth from space by means of satellites. Satellites capture images that differ according to the type of light waves reflected by different elements on Earth, using very sensitive equipment to visible and invisible light. By analyzing the images provided by the satellites, professionals get the information they need to better monitor and study Earth.


100 Hours of Astronomy

From: 02 April 2009 To: 05 April 2009

A project of the International Year of Astronomy, 100 Hours of Astronomy is a global event, which was held on 2-5 April 2009. It is an event where you get the chance to discover the Universe through a number of free public activities taking place all around the world.


Astro-Camp

From: 02 April 2009 To: 05 April 2009

A 4-day camp for the three first place winning teams in the Astronomy Olympiad. The children got the chance to learn more about astronomy from specialists of the field through educational games, observations, lectures and quizzes.


"Universe Awareness" program

From: 15 February 2009 To: 30 April 2009

An international outreach activity that aimed to inspire disadvantaged children in remote areas with the beauty and grandeur of the universe.


"Space Technology" Program

From: 12 February 2009 To: 02 April 2009

A long-term program that aims to simplify satellite components, applications and image processing; through multiple activities, such as lectures, hands-on experiments, fieldtrips, software development and research projects.


"Astronomy Olympiad" competition

From: 01 February 2009 To: 28 March 2009

A sports-like competition that aims to stimulate enthusiasm and interest in astronomy through achieving requested tasks in an enjoyable manner.

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