As the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) comes to a close, the true scope of the venture is becoming clear. The final count of countries involved stands at 148, a staggering number that confirms that the IYA2009 network is the largest ever in science. Activities and events from these participating nations paint a picture of professional and amateur astronomers bringing the Universe down to Earth through countless projects, opening the eyes of the public to the wonders above.
The Space Radio event at Foxton later this month will combine music and astronomy in an “Out of this World” experience using sounds and images from throughout the known universe.
Wind the clock back 400 years and see what Galileo saw the first time he looked through a telescope – the moons of Jupiter.
The Royal Astronomical Society of NZ regretfully notes that Jon Hamilton, son of Sir William Hamilton, inventor of the jet-boat died recently at age 84. As well as being an an ambassador for his father's invention, piloting Hamilton jet-powered boats on the first upstream run of the Colorado River, and on the Ganges with mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, Jon was a long-time member of the RASNZ and great supporter of New Zealand astronomy.
Ngatapa School, Gisborne was the first New Zealand school to participate in the IYA Sunbeams and Shadows project, following the movement of the Sun between midwinter and midsummer at different latitudes from North to south. Schools have been invited to submit a photograph when the Sun is at an angle of 45 degrees. More details and other activities can be found at www.sun45.org including how to construct a sunbeam box and a circular Sun 45 sundial.
Thanks to the Royal Astronomical Society of NZ and the Auckland Astronomical Society we can now offer full colour A1 glossy posters showcasing IYA 2009 NZ astronomy. We would also like to thank Richard Hall for assembling this wonderful poster and to the many contributors of the stunning pictures the poster contains. It is a great poster which encompasses what this year is all about - New Zealand Astronomy and the dedication of the New Zealand astronomical community.
The posters will be printed by the end of the week of 14 August, so now is a great time to place your orders.
All payments are to be made directly to RASNZ. For full details regarding payment and the prices of the posters, please refer to the information sheet (76 KB PDF).
The 100 Hours of Astronomy Awards Ceremony will be streamed over the Internet on the morning of August 12. The webcast will start at 9.00 am New Zealand time, and will be archived for future viewing. The ceremony is part of the International Astronomical Union's XXVII General Assembly 2009 and will be hosted by 100 Hours of Astronomy Co-Chair Mike Simmons. Eight award presentation videos by 100HA Task Group members from around the world will be shown, along with acceptance videos from the award winners. Among the winners are the Levin Stargazers, who will receive the 100HA Community Out Reach award.
The Auckland Astronomical Society (AAS) has announced the 2009 Harry Williams Astrophotography Competition. The competition is now open for entry to all New Zealand residents. Please pass this message onto your members, family and friends.
The Levin Stargazers group have won the Community Outreach award as part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy Sidewalk Astronomy and Star Party competition. The competition garnered entries from around the world, and featured eight different awards. Levin Stargazers member Paul Moss was also highly commended in the 'Outstanding Individual within a registered 100 Hours of Astronomy Event'.
Radio New Zealand Concert is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy with a 20-part series featuring music and the letters of cosmologist Beatrice Tinsley.
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