Thursday 05 Jun 2008 @ 11:43
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Science and Technology Facilities Council
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The first International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone Project brings the stars to Liverpool
A prototype exhibit of the “From the Earth to the Universe” project heralds the wide range of events planned in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. The dazzling display of images will take viewers deep into the Universe from 7-29 June 2008 and will be held at the Albert Dock in Liverpool, UK.
With the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) nearly upon us, the Albert Dock in Liverpool will host the first event displaying breathtaking images from an IYA2009 Cornerstone Project, From the Earth to the Universe. This majestic photographic display, which is planned for 7-29 June 2008, takes viewers on a colourful visual journey through the wonders of the Universe and allows them to travel more than 13 billion light-years into the vast expanse of space.
The 48 images themselves were created by some of the world’s best astrophotographers — professionals as well as hobbyists — and the display was generated by a collaborative task group including members from the European Southern Observatory and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Center.
Liverpool was chosen to host the exhibit because it is the European Capital of Culture during 2008. “We are delighted to be displaying such magnificent pieces of photography at the Albert Dock”, said Joe Edge, director of Albert Dock. “As 2008 marks such a huge year for Liverpool, people from all around the world will be visiting the Dock and this display gives them the chance to see something unique in an unusual setting.”
As stunning as the current display is, it is a mere prototype of the exhibit that will be shown in non-traditional public venues such as parks and gardens, shopping malls, metro stations and airports in major cities across the world next year. The goal is to engage individuals who would not normally think about astronomy, or science in general, as part of the IYA2009.
The exhibition is sponsored by the world’s leading specialist picture agency Science Photo Library and co-sponsored by Astronet, a consortium of European science agencies responsible for developing a roadmap for the future of astronomy in Europe.
Exhibition manager Gary Evans from Science Photo Library says: “This exhibition is probably the first real IYA2009 event and we are very proud to be hosting it in the UK. We simply could not wait for 2009 and took advantage of Liverpool’s status as the European Capital of Culture during 2008. The timing was also set to coincide with Astronet symposium in Liverpool on 16-19 June 2008. The public will be thrilled to know that, as they marvel at what astronomy has achieved so far, its future in Europe is being decided right next door.”
With eleven Cornerstone Projects well underway, the IAU has many more plans in store for 2009. The Union aims to celebrate astronomy’s contributions to society and culture and to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy through the creation of interactive networks. The vision 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 realise 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. Events and activities held throughout the year will further promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.
2009 has been selected as the International Year of Astronomy as it is the 400th anniversary of observations made by Galileo Galilei that changed our understanding of the Universe.
The UK is a very active participant in IYA2009 and will be hosting a series of events, such as spring and autumn moonwatches; two weeks where amateur astronomers will make their telescopes available for members of the public to marvel at the craters and mountains on the Moon and see the splendour of Saturn’s rings and the moons of Jupiter that Galileo studied. Many other events are also being planned, including touring the ‘From the Earth to the Universe’exhibition across the country – possible locations are currently being sought. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is supporting UK national co-ordination of the year and many activities through its public engagement schemes.
Heading up the UK activity, Professor Ian Robson of STFC’s UK ATC said ‘Astronomy is just mind-blowing and those of us lucky enough to do it professionally want to share that passion with the rest of the world. We intend to make IYA2009 and exciting and rewarding experience for members of the public and to help stimulate young people into looking at science and technology as a great career opportunity’.
The IYA2009 Cornerstone Projects will engage individuals through multiple forms of media, from hands-on observations of the night sky in the “Galileoscope” project to virtual blog interactions with practicing astronomers through the “Cosmic Diary” project. Projects like “She is an Astronomer” will also provide positive role models for students considering a future in science, while projects like the “Universe Awareness” will focus on sharing the wonders of astronomy with young disadvantaged children.
With all of the preparations underway for next year’s events, IYA2009 is shaping up to be an incredible experience for individuals around the globe.
Notes for editors
Images
• A selection of images from exhibition can be downloaded at www.fromearthtotheuniverse.org/liverpool.php and can be used free of charge.
• Prints of all images in this exhibition are available to purchase from www.sciencephotogallery.co.uk from 9 June 2008 onwards.
• To learn more about the UK IYA activities visit www.astronomy2009.co.uk
• The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together almost 10,000 professional astronomers from all nations of the world. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers. To learn more about IAU, please visit: www.iau.org
• Science Photo Library (SPL) is the world’s leading specialist picture agency with a collection of more than 250,000 images. Although SPL covers all areas of science, from aerodynamics to zoology, the company is particularly proud of its very long history of working closely with astronomers and astrophotographers. SPL represents several of the most prestigious multinational observatories in the world, and works alongside the scientists of NASA and the European Space Agency. To learn more about Science Photo Library, please visit www.sciencephoto.com
• Astronet was created by a group of European funding agencies in order to establish comprehensive long-term planning for the development of European astronomy. The objective of this effort is to consolidate and reinforce the world-leading position that European astronomy attained at the beginning of the 21st century. To learn more, please visit www.astronet-eu.org
• The Albert Dock in Liverpool is the largest grouping of Grade I listed buildings in Britain. With around four million visitors each year, the Dock is the most visited, multi-user attraction in the UK outside London. Today the Albert Dock consists of over 25 retail shops and has several unique visitor attractions, such as: Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, and Merseyside Maritime Museum. To learn more, please visit www.albertdock.com
• To learn more about Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008, please visit www.liverpool08.com
For more information, please contact:
Liverpool From the Earth to the Universe Exhibition manager Gary Evans Manager, Scientific Relations, Science Photo Library, London, UK
Tel: +44-(0)20-7432-1100
Cellular: +44-(0)-7970-287923
E-mail: gary.evans@sciencephoto.com
UK IYA2009 activities
Professor Ian Robson
STFC UK ATC
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
E-mail: info@astronomy2009.co.uk
From the Earth to the Universe Chair
Megan Watzke
Public Information Officer, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Cambridge, USA
Tel: +1- 617-496-7998
E-mail: mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
IAU Press Officer/Secretary of IAU IYA2009 Executive Committee Working Group Lars Lindberg Christensen ESA/Hubble & IAU, Garching, Germany
Tel: +49-89-32-00-63-06
Cellular: +49-173-3872-621
E-mail: lars@eso.org
IYA 2009 Secretariat
Pedro Russo
IAU & ESA/Hubble, Garching, Germany
Tel: +49-89-320-06-195
Cell: +49-176-61100211 / +351-962854775
E-mail: prusso@eso.org
UNESCO Contact
Yolanda Berenguer
Space Education Programme Coordinator
UNESCO HQ, Paris
Tel: +33-1-45684171
E-mail: y.berenguer@unesco.org
With the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) nearly upon us, the Albert Dock in Liverpool will host the first event displaying breathtaking images from an IYA2009 Cornerstone Project, From the Earth to the Universe. This majestic photographic display, which is planned for 7-29 June 2008, takes viewers on a colourful visual journey through the wonders of the Universe and allows them to travel more than 13 billion light-years into the vast expanse of space.
The 48 images themselves were created by some of the world’s best astrophotographers — professionals as well as hobbyists — and the display was generated by a collaborative task group including members from the European Southern Observatory and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Center.
Liverpool was chosen to host the exhibit because it is the European Capital of Culture during 2008. “We are delighted to be displaying such magnificent pieces of photography at the Albert Dock”, said Joe Edge, director of Albert Dock. “As 2008 marks such a huge year for Liverpool, people from all around the world will be visiting the Dock and this display gives them the chance to see something unique in an unusual setting.”
As stunning as the current display is, it is a mere prototype of the exhibit that will be shown in non-traditional public venues such as parks and gardens, shopping malls, metro stations and airports in major cities across the world next year. The goal is to engage individuals who would not normally think about astronomy, or science in general, as part of the IYA2009.
The exhibition is sponsored by the world’s leading specialist picture agency Science Photo Library and co-sponsored by Astronet, a consortium of European science agencies responsible for developing a roadmap for the future of astronomy in Europe.
Exhibition manager Gary Evans from Science Photo Library says: “This exhibition is probably the first real IYA2009 event and we are very proud to be hosting it in the UK. We simply could not wait for 2009 and took advantage of Liverpool’s status as the European Capital of Culture during 2008. The timing was also set to coincide with Astronet symposium in Liverpool on 16-19 June 2008. The public will be thrilled to know that, as they marvel at what astronomy has achieved so far, its future in Europe is being decided right next door.”
With eleven Cornerstone Projects well underway, the IAU has many more plans in store for 2009. The Union aims to celebrate astronomy’s contributions to society and culture and to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy through the creation of interactive networks. The vision 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 realise 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. Events and activities held throughout the year will further promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.
2009 has been selected as the International Year of Astronomy as it is the 400th anniversary of observations made by Galileo Galilei that changed our understanding of the Universe.
The UK is a very active participant in IYA2009 and will be hosting a series of events, such as spring and autumn moonwatches; two weeks where amateur astronomers will make their telescopes available for members of the public to marvel at the craters and mountains on the Moon and see the splendour of Saturn’s rings and the moons of Jupiter that Galileo studied. Many other events are also being planned, including touring the ‘From the Earth to the Universe’exhibition across the country – possible locations are currently being sought. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is supporting UK national co-ordination of the year and many activities through its public engagement schemes.
Heading up the UK activity, Professor Ian Robson of STFC’s UK ATC said ‘Astronomy is just mind-blowing and those of us lucky enough to do it professionally want to share that passion with the rest of the world. We intend to make IYA2009 and exciting and rewarding experience for members of the public and to help stimulate young people into looking at science and technology as a great career opportunity’.
The IYA2009 Cornerstone Projects will engage individuals through multiple forms of media, from hands-on observations of the night sky in the “Galileoscope” project to virtual blog interactions with practicing astronomers through the “Cosmic Diary” project. Projects like “She is an Astronomer” will also provide positive role models for students considering a future in science, while projects like the “Universe Awareness” will focus on sharing the wonders of astronomy with young disadvantaged children.
With all of the preparations underway for next year’s events, IYA2009 is shaping up to be an incredible experience for individuals around the globe.
Notes for editors
Images
• A selection of images from exhibition can be downloaded at www.fromearthtotheuniverse.org/liverpool.php and can be used free of charge.
• Prints of all images in this exhibition are available to purchase from www.sciencephotogallery.co.uk from 9 June 2008 onwards.
• To learn more about the UK IYA activities visit www.astronomy2009.co.uk
• To learn more about IYA2009 and the Cornerstone Projects, please visit: http://www.astronomy2009.org/
• The IYA2009 activities will take place at global and regional levels, and especially at the national and local levels. National Nodes in each country have been formed to prepare activities for 2009. These Nodes establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres, educators and science communicators in preparing activities for 2009. The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) was proclaimed by the United Nations on 20 December 2007.
• The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together almost 10,000 professional astronomers from all nations of the world. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world’s largest professional body for astronomers. To learn more about IAU, please visit: www.iau.org
• Science Photo Library (SPL) is the world’s leading specialist picture agency with a collection of more than 250,000 images. Although SPL covers all areas of science, from aerodynamics to zoology, the company is particularly proud of its very long history of working closely with astronomers and astrophotographers. SPL represents several of the most prestigious multinational observatories in the world, and works alongside the scientists of NASA and the European Space Agency. To learn more about Science Photo Library, please visit www.sciencephoto.com
• Astronet was created by a group of European funding agencies in order to establish comprehensive long-term planning for the development of European astronomy. The objective of this effort is to consolidate and reinforce the world-leading position that European astronomy attained at the beginning of the 21st century. To learn more, please visit www.astronet-eu.org
• The Albert Dock in Liverpool is the largest grouping of Grade I listed buildings in Britain. With around four million visitors each year, the Dock is the most visited, multi-user attraction in the UK outside London. Today the Albert Dock consists of over 25 retail shops and has several unique visitor attractions, such as: Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, and Merseyside Maritime Museum. To learn more, please visit www.albertdock.com
• To learn more about Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008, please visit www.liverpool08.com
For more information, please contact:
Liverpool From the Earth to the Universe Exhibition manager Gary Evans Manager, Scientific Relations, Science Photo Library, London, UK
Tel: +44-(0)20-7432-1100
Cellular: +44-(0)-7970-287923
E-mail: gary.evans@sciencephoto.com
UK IYA2009 activities
Professor Ian Robson
STFC UK ATC
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
E-mail: info@astronomy2009.co.uk
Tel: +44 131 668 8312
From the Earth to the Universe Chair
Megan Watzke
Public Information Officer, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Cambridge, USA
Tel: +1- 617-496-7998
E-mail: mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
IAU Press Officer/Secretary of IAU IYA2009 Executive Committee Working Group Lars Lindberg Christensen ESA/Hubble & IAU, Garching, Germany
Tel: +49-89-32-00-63-06
Cellular: +49-173-3872-621
E-mail: lars@eso.org
IYA 2009 Secretariat
Pedro Russo
IAU & ESA/Hubble, Garching, Germany
Tel: +49-89-320-06-195
Cell: +49-176-61100211 / +351-962854775
E-mail: prusso@eso.org
UNESCO Contact
Yolanda Berenguer
Space Education Programme Coordinator
UNESCO HQ, Paris
Tel: +33-1-45684171
E-mail: y.berenguer@unesco.org
