TaareWiki | Site / Public Lecture - 100 Hours of Astronomy

A Talk by

Walter Staveloz

Director, International Projects for the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Washington, DC. USA

5:00 PM on the 6th of November 2008, at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi

100 Hours of Astronomy is a cornerstone project of the International year of Astronomy 2009.

The 100 Hours of Astronomy cornerstone project (100HA) is a round-the-clock, worldwide event with 100 continuous hours of a wide range of public outreach activities including live webcasts, observing events and more. One of the key goals of 100HA is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. 100HA will take place from 2-5 April 2009, when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous, good phases for early evening observing. Saturn will be the other highlight of early evening observing events.

100 Hours of Astronomy consists of five main events:

1. An opening event featuring the telescope that Galileo used to make his groundbreaking observations.

2. Activities at science centres, planetariums and science museums including live webcasts, live observations by visitors using remotely-operated telescopes, and enhanced outreach programs including public observing sessions held by amateur astronomy groups.

3. Observing sessions and other educational activities in schools groups held by astronomy clubs and others.

4. 24 hours of live webcasts from research observatories around the world, along with observing events and other outreach activities at participating observatories.

5. 24 hours of sidewalk astronomy – public observing sessions in population centres to bring the opportunity to view the Moon, Saturn and other objects to as many people as possible. The annual International Sidewalk Astronomy Night will be held during this event.

The talk will discuss the various plans related to this project, the possible efforts from Indian groups and organizations which might be contributing towards making this program reach different corners of the country. Be at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi, by 5:00 PM on the 6th of November 2008, to get to know more about this project and give your inputs for possible activities!