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:
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Competition: Astronomy Olympiad
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1 January 2009
- 31 March 2009
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The Astronomy Olympiad is a competition targeting preparatory school students (12–16 years). Its main goal is to stimulate enthusiasm and interest in astronomy. The competition is anticipated to raise the students awareness of astronomy as a science through a series of lectures, fieldtrips, planetarium shows, videoconferences, in addition to their general knowledge. The competition will be divided into a number of tournaments and the winning team will be the one that accumulated the highest number of points.
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Universe Awareness
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1 February 2009
- 31 March 2009
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Universe Awareness (UNAWE) is an international outreach activity that aims to inspire young disadvantaged children—starting at the age of 4 years—with the beauty and grandeur of the universe. The PSC will conduct this outreach program during the 2008/2009 academic year.
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Space Technology
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1 February 2009
- 31 March 2009
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Space technology science is closely related to mother earth problems. Through space technology nations can secure solutions for sustainable development, climate changes, environmental issues and other challenges facing developed and developing countries. The PSC has a tailored a space technology program to teach school students of the age group 10–15, for the duration of 2 months (8 sessions) at the PSC how to link space and earth sciences. The PSC will utilize all modern educational tools like lectures, hands-on activities, fieldtrips, multimedia, and research projects to maximize participants gain of information. Moreover, participants will present their research work to their colleagues at the end of the program.
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Eratosthenes 2009
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21 June 2009
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Eratosthenes festival takes place on 21 June every year, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and in Aswan city and is designed for the preparatory school students. It has become an annual event that the Planetarium Science Center (PSC) of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) organizes to honor the outstanding third Librarian of the ancient Library of Alexandria.
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Astronomy in the Arab-Muslim Civilization
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1 October 2009
- 31 October 2009
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The PSC will organize a series of lectures and seminars that highlight the scientific contributions of Arab Astronomers through history. This will raise the regional and national awareness of the Arab neglected heritage. Raising public awareness is essential to motivate the public to step forward into today’s world of advanced scientific research. The event target group will include specialists in the field, astronomers, university students and high school students.
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SEAC Conference
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25 October 2009
- 31 October 2009
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In an attempt to revive the astronomy vital role in our 21st century high technology culture, the European Society for Astronomy in Culture (SEAC) will hold its 17th annual meeting on 25–31 October 2009 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), Alexandria, Egypt. This event will be an International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009) activity. The IYA 2009 was initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in partnership with the UNESCO and numerous associate organizations to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through astronomy and basic sciences.
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She is an Astronomer
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18 November 2009
- 19 November 2009
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The BA is an advocate of gender equality as the only means to socioeconomic development. In the respect the BA has organized a series of conferences, seminars and workshops to raise the public awareness of the importance of this issue. The Women in Science 2007 conference was one of the most successful events to empower women in the field of science and technology and has set an action plan for women to pursue their careers in science and technology.
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