Save the Dates: April 2011 is Global Astronomy Month

April 2011 will again be a busy month for amateur and professional astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts as Global Astronomy Month (GAM) returns for its second edition. The annual event, organized by Astronomers Without Borders, celebrates the Universe in the spirit of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 cornerstone project "100 Hours of Astronomy."

Astronomy clubs, science centers, schools, educators, and other astronomy enthusiasts worldwide are invited to reserve dates in April 2011 for public outreach, hands-on activities, observing sessions and more while sharing the enthusiasm with others across the globe during Global Astronomy Month. Everyone is invited either to join the global programs or initiate their own activities during April 2011.

This is the second edition of GAM, after its launch last year, when Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) coordinated seven global events dedicated to remote observing, fighting light pollution, world peace, observations of the sky and cultural manifestations, as well as encouraging the organization of local events.

GAM2010 Trailer

A growing list of global programs are scheduled for GAM 2011. The month kicks off with the lord of the rings on April 2/3, designated as Saturn Watch. With the planet at its closest to Earth, it's a perfect night to admire the unequaled beauty of the ringed planet. On April 9 the Global Star Party will unfold as darkness sweeps around the Earth. This is the night to set up your telescopes and share the wonders of the sky with others. From April 10 to 16 it's Lunar Week as our gaze turns toward Earth's natural satellite. Just as the Moon has captured our imagination for millennia, it never fails to fascinate with close-up views of its craters and mare. Educational and cultural events dedicated to the Moon are also planned. On April 17 we switch from night to day, dedicating ourselves to our closest star on SunDay. The month closes on a high point with a peak - of meteors. On April 21/22 get comfortable in something warm and spend the night scanning the sky for meteors caused by debris left behind by Comet Thatcher. An incredible show awaits during Lyrids Watch.

More programs are to come as GAM grows with every group of people that joins us in the celebration of the Universe. Among these are Remote Observing Programs and a Cosmic Concert.

If you need another reason to join us during Global Astronomy Month, try these:

* GAM lets your science center or astronomy club participate in an internationally recognized project;
* GAM provides several events to attract visitors to your institution or astronomy club;
* GAM allows you to connect with your local community, including public authorities and the media;
* GAM gives you the chance to inspire young people to look up and wonder. Show your commitment to educating young people.

"There's something for everyone", says Mike Simmons, President of Astronomers Without Borders. IYA2009 showed the way to involving more people than ever," and GAM is riding that wave of excitement in the discovery of our Universe."

Join the celebration in April 2011 as Global Astronomy Month brings together thousands of passionate individuals and hundreds of organizations worldwide to share their enthusiasm in innovative new ways, connecting people through a great sense of sharing the Universe! It's a month of celebrating Astronomers Without Borders' motto - One People, One Sky!

Save the dates - April 2011 is Global Astronomy Month.

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More information:

* Website: http://www.gam-awb.org
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/GAM_AWB
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Astronomy-Month-2011/139709899412771

Astronomers Without Borders

Astronomers Without Borders is dedicated to fostering understanding and goodwill across national and cultural boundaries by creating relationships through the universal appeal of astronomy. Astronomers Without Borders projects promote sharing, all through a common interest in something basic and universal - sharing the sky.

For further information please contact:

Mike Simmons
President, Astronomers Without Borders
Chair, GAM2011 Working Group
mikes@gam-awb.org
+1 818 486 7633

Thilina Heenatigala
GAM2011 Coordinator
thilina@gam-awb.org
+94 716 245 545

Oana Sandu
GAM2011 Public Relations Coordinator
oana@gam-awb.org
+40 724 024 625


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Global Astronomy Month 2010

International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) was a widely successful year long event which attracted thousands of people around the world. One of the main highlights of IYA2009 was the unprecedented success of 100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA) in April 2009 demonstrated the power of international collaboration to astronomers around the world, creating even greater enthusiasm for a follow-up experience. The excitement of bringing people together from all countries regardless of age, race or beliefs – all awed by the wonders of the Universe – is something that will long outlive IYA2009.

Expanding the idea of 100HA, and with the momentum given the IYA, Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) has set the bar even higher, inviting all astronomy enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the Universe for an entire month!

April 2010 brings together professional and amateur astronomers, educators and all astronomy enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate Global Astronomy Month – an international project that builds on the achievements of The International Year of Astronomy 2009 by combining a even wider array of activities with real-time international sharing under the motto, One People, One Sky.

Global Astronomy Month (GAM2010) is a community-based effort with more international collaboration and interaction than ever before. The primary idea of GAM2010 is to share ideas, experiences and successes, allowing more communities to organize their own events, and carrying new ideas and inspiration forward. GAM2010 is a “Butterfly Effect” generator within the astronomy community – an idea is carried around the globe, expanding each time it is repeated. There is something for everyone.


Working Group
Organizing GAM takes a lot of time, energy and expertise of many individual around the world. The GAM Working Group (WG) itself is widely diverse and spreads all corners of the globe.


Mike Simmons
President, Astronomers Without Borders
Chair, GAM2010 Working Group

Thilina Heenatigala
Coordinator, GAM2010

Oana Sandu
GAM2010 Public Relations Coordinator


Communications Working Group:
- Oana Sandu (Romania)
- Arif Solmaz (Turkey)

Online Programs Working Group:
- Manoj Pai (India)
- Marcelo de Oliveira Souza (Brazil)

Physical Events Working Group:
- Donna Smith (USA)
- Thilina Heenatigala (Sri Lanka)

Remote Observing Programs Working Group:
- Gianluca Masi (Italy)
- Valentina Romeo (Italy)

Resources Working Group:
- Valentin Grigore (Romania)
- Audrey Fischer (USA)

Solar Programs Working Group:
- Ricardo Reis (Portugal)

Website Working Group:
- Jessi Kingan (USA/Thailand)
- Avivah Yamani (Indonesia)


- Paul Trudel – Webmaster (USA)
- Paul Moss – Broadcast page (New Zealand)



More information:
Visit GAM website
GAM Blog
Follow GAM on Twitter
Become a fan of GAM on Facebook:



About Astronomers Without Borders
Astronomers Without Borders is an organization dedicated to fostering understanding and goodwill across national and cultural boundaries by creating relationships through the universal appeal of astronomy. Astronomers Without Borders projects promote sharing, all through a common interest in something basic and universal – sharing the sky.


Get in touch!
Interested in get in touch with GAM for project collaborations or sponsorship opportunities?
Write to GAM at info@gam-awb.org



Global Astronomy Month – Let’s Continue the Celebration of the Universe!

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Getting ready for another orbit around the Sun 2010

Dear Earthlings,
We just finished a wonderful orbit around the Sun. I know it had its usual ups and downs, but astronomically speaking it was a year to remember.
It’s amazing how one program – International Year of Astronomy 2009 – managed to get people to discover the Universe we live in. The best part about IYA2009 is that it’s not over! The momentum given by IYA will continue to this year. Already there are some wonderful events to take place in 2010. Much to expect!





Apart from my usual celebrations in a 31st night, I managed to capture the Partial Lunar Eclipse. It was a wonderful view of the lunar eclipse against the dark sky.

This full Moon known as a Blue Moon as well. I wrote an article for the local paper during the last Blue Moon.


Don’t forget its 2010: Year We Make Contact!
If you are a Science Fiction fan, you’d probably know what I’m on about. This year signifies the 2010: Odyssey Two which is a best-selling science fiction novel by late Sir Arthur Clarke published in January 1982. It also adapted to a movie in 1984 called 2010: The Year We Make Contact!

You can see a nice article written regarding this topic by Nalaka Gunawardene at his Moving Images, Moving People! Blog.




I wish all my friends and Universe Café readers a wonderful year ahead. Let’s make this year a memorable one!

Ad Astra!

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40 Years of Space Age & Beyond - Concludes successfully

40 Years of Space Age & Beyond 2009 - IYA2009-Sri Lanka

Under the International Year of Astronomy 2009 programs, the Royal College Astronomical Society (RCAS) organized an innovative program called “40 Years of Space Age & Beyond” (FYOSA 09). The program which held from 8th to 9th of December 2009, consist of a workshop, Science Fiction Competition and Exhibition of Apollo 11 moon rocks.

The program gathered more than 6000 visitors which included students, teachers, parents and general public. The workshop and the SF competition had a participation of 30 schools around the country. It was two days filled with astronomical experience.

-FYOSA09 Trailer-



1) FYOSA workshop
2) Science Fiction Competition
3) Apollo 11 moon rocks exhibition


FYOSA workshop
8th December 2009

For the 9th consecutive year the RCAS workshop was held this year under the theme of “40years of Space Age & Beyond” - a look back at the 40years of space programs and future view of missions to space and colonization. The workshop is the long running annual project of RCAS and a much waited event in the local astronomy community.

The workshop kicked off at 10:30am with speeches by College Principle, Teacher in Charge and other guests which followed by an interesting lecture – “Moon Colonization” by Dr. Rohan Munasingha of Moratuwa University. The lecture covered all the aspects of moon colonization including scientific background and ongoing colonization ideas. The lecture was followed by a series of video clips on various important space missions since Apollo 11 and some future ones as well.

One of the highlights of the FYOSA 09 program is the Apollo 11 Moon Rock Display which was set up at the other side of the Workshop hall. The exhibition was officially opened by Dr Rohan Munasingha and Prof Kavan Ratnatunga. All the participated students and teachers were given an opportunity to witness the historical moon rocks.

The workshop also didn’t fail to add some entertainment with few songs by RCAS members. The first phase of the workshop concluded with lunch.
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The second phase was more exciting. The workshop had a participation of about 150 students and teachers, who were divided into 10 groups for the hands-on-activity – moon colonization. The activity held as a competition.
Advisor of RCAS, Mr. Thilina Heenatigala gave instructions to all the students regarding the activity. The students were given various materials and told to make a model of moon colonization. The lecture done by Dr. Rohan Munasingha was very helpful for all the students to understand the crucial issues when designing a moon colony.

Each of the group was given two hours and was judged for the best designed. It was an intense two hours filled with lots of brainstorming, and exchanging ideas, being active and interacting with each other. The groups were judged from the time activity kicked off and judging was done by Mr. Yohan Ferreira and Mr. Wajira Heenatigala. The activity was monitored by Mr. Thilina Heenatigala. It was coordinated by Mr. Abhiruchika Sriyarathna, Mr. Charith Siriwardana and Mr. Udara Chathuranga.

After two hours all the models were displayed in front of the stage and the groups waited for the announcement of the winner. After a while the final decision was made and one team walked away with NASA materials.

Each of the participated schools were given donation package of NASA materials containing CDs, DVDs, posters, Bookmarks, lithographs, etc… which is another initiative RCAS has been active for the past 5 years, which followed by the award ceremony of SF competition.

The program concluded with a promise by RCAS officials to bring more excitement in next year workshop.

Chief Guest: Dr. Rohan Munasinga
Guest of Honor: Prof. Kavan Ratnatunga
Workshop Advisor: Mr. Thilina Heenatigala

Coordinators:
Abhiruchika Sriyarathna
Charith Siriwardana
Udara Chathuranga.

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Science Fiction Competition

The Science Fiction competition is another annual project of the RCAS, which has been running since 1999 and was only open to RCAS members. But this year as a tribute to IYA2009, it was open to all the students around the country. The purpose of the competition is to give an opportunity to explore the vivid imagination of young minds.

There were entries from more than 20 schools around the country, both in Sinahala and English language and in three categories – Junior, Intermediate and Senior. The entries were reviewed by officials from Sri Lanka Astronomical Association and Astronomy & Space Study Center.

The award ceremony was held during the FYOSA 09 workshop. All the entries were given certificates and 3 winners selected in each category, were given special IYA2009 – RCAS medals, a gift pack of NASA materials and certificates.

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Apollo 11 moon rocks exhibition
8th & 9th December 2009

When Neil Armstrong and crew touched the Moon for the first time 40 years ago, they brought back lunar soil with them to Earth. Small potions of these moonstones were donated to various countries by former US President Richard Nixon. Sri Lanka was lucky enough to be one of the countries to receive these stones.

These moonstones were kept at the National Museum of Sri Lanka, but were not available for public display. With special arrangement via Sri Lanka Astronomical Association, RCAS was able to get the National Museum Apollo 11 exhibition set up for public display for two days.

The feedback was immense; the exhibition reached record of more than 6000 visitors for two days. It was a rare opportunity to witness the history as these moonstones are rarely on public display. Also, there were some unforgettable photographs from Apollo 11 mission displayed at the exhibition along with the moonstones.

The second day of the exhibition included Solar viewing through the RCAS telescope (Helen) and screening of various future mission videos.

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Thilina Heenatigala
National Node Secretary
IYA2009 – Sri Lanka


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Sri Lanka IYA2009 National Node

Sri Lanka Astronomical Association

International Year of Astronomy 2009
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Some unforgettable moments:

Opening Ceremony

Moon Colonization Activity

students brainstorming

some of the groups

judges examining models

one group with their model

few of the groups

waiting to hear the winning team

groups with their models

one of the SF competition winners

junior category SF competition winner

the winning group from the Moon Colonization activity

Apollo 11 Moonstones exhibition

Opening Ceremony of the exhibition

part of the exhibition set up

students viewing the moon rocks

students at the exhibition

more students at the exhibition

students gathering up to witness the historical rocks

solar viewing

screening future mission videos at the exhibition

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40 Years of Space Age & Beyond

Under the International Year of Astronomy 2009 programs, the Royal College Astronomical Society has organized an innovative program called “40years of Space Age & Beyond”.

This is the largest school based IYA2009 program in Sri Lanka and it consists of a workshop, Science Fiction Competition and an Exhibition of Apollo 11 moon rocks which will be held from 8th to 9th of December 2009.

Royal College Astronomical Society (RCAS) has been in forefront among the school astronomical societies. It has a prestigious history of more than 40years. The society has inspired many students to pursuit science as a career and few made it to become professional astronomers as well.



The workshop is the long running annual project of RCAS and a much waited event in the local astronomy community. This year, it will have a look back at the 40years of space programs and a look ahead with future missions to space and colonization.
Each year the workshop gets a participation of students and teachers from 50 schools around the country. This year participants will get an opportunity to explore future moon colonization ideas by being part of an activity to construct moon colonies.
http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/workshop.html



The RCAS will be running an exhibition and a Science Fiction competition along with the workshop as well. The moonstones from Apollo 11 mission which were gifted to Sri Lanka by the former US President Richard Nixon will be on display for two days. This is a rare opportunity to witness the history as these moonstones are rarely on public display. There will be some unforgettable photographs from Apollo 11 mission displayed at the exhibition along with the moonstones.
http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/exhibition.html



The Science Fiction competition is another annual project of the society, which is open to all the students around the country. It’s launched with the purpose of exploring vivid imagination of young minds. The competition is underway and the award ceremony will take place along with the workshop.
http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa/sf_competition.html

Feel free to publish this news in your website/blog or newsletter. And you are free to use any information and wallpapers from the website http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa

Cheers!

Thilina Heenatigala
Secretary
IYA2009 – Sri Lanka Node
http://iya2009.lakdiva.net

Adviser
Royal College Astronomical Society
http://rcas.lakdiva.net/fyosa

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Star Party 2009

Commenced in 2004, as the primordial observation competition is South Asia, STAR PARTY is a competition where students from different parts of Sri Lanka compete to win the competition that is focused on the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology and Rocketry. Since then it has been held annually and has seen reputation as an Observation Competition and Astronomy Workshop over the years.

STAR PARTY 2009 will be the largest IYA 2009 project of Sri Lanka, taking place at the premises of University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka from 6.00 pm (local time) (12:30 UTC/GMT or 08:30 EDT) onwards on 25th September 2009. The project will last for more than 12 hours and already 500+ participants confirmed for Star Party. The event is organized by the Anandian Astronomical Association, of Ananda College and Astronomical Society of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy as an affiliated project.

This year they will provide a live feed of the event via http://starparty2009.com/sp-09-live/. You may also find custom information and archives of past events at the official site at http://starparty2009.com/. The live feed is especially aimed at educating the global community about the event and enabling everyone to better understand the universe, following the IYA general theme “Universe is Yours to Discover”.

Content and Image: Prasanna Deshapriya

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Partial Solar Eclipse 26th January, 2009

Partial Solar Eclipse – 26th January 2009

The first Annular Solar Eclipse of the year 2009 occurred last Monday, January 26, 2009. The Eclipse of the Sun was visible in Eastern parts like West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshwadwip islands.

Observation sessions were held all around the world to celebrate the “International Year of Astronomy 2009” (IYA2009). The Solar Astronomy task group of IYA2009 collaborated with many countries to hold observing sessions and live web cast the eclipse, including Sri Lanka.

Observation sessions held in Sri Lanka.

This solar eclipse was visible to Sri Lanka as a partial eclipse and was visible from 2:03pm to 4:12pm.

Under IYA2009 – Sri Lanka programs, several different public observation sessions were held throughout the country. The National Node of IYA2009-Sri Lanka held an observation session at the Car Park of Arpico Super Center, Hyde Park Corner while Arthur C Clarke Center and University of Colombo held observation sessions at their institution premises with a live web cast of the eclipse.
To give a glimpse of the eclipse to the public outside of Colombo, The Colombo Planetarium held their observation session in Kurunagala with the involvement of schools in the area.
The schools themselves showed interest in the eclipse. Nalanda College Astronomical society organized “Helios” workshop to observe the Sun, with the involvement of few schools.

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