International Year of Astronomy, 2009

2009 is the UNESCO supported International Year of Astronomy. During 2009, there will be a huge number of astronomy activities going on around the world, and many groups and societies will be holding events to which the public is invited.

A large part of IYA2009 is to highlight the problems caused by inefficient outdoor lighting, and Dark Skies Awareness is one of the cornerstone projects of IYA2009.

If you are observing from a dark site, you might like to tell those attending how lucky they are that they can see so much, since 90% of the UK population live beneath light-polluted skies.

If you are observing from a site where skyglow is part of the scene, then you can tell them how it is created and how they might take action to counter it.

The BAA Campaign for Dark Skies offers literature and support for IYA events. Please contact your nearest CfDS local officer for literature for your IYA event (local officer details are here).

The Campaign for Dark Skies is actively involve in the International Year of Astronomy, including...

• Helping set-up and promote Dark Sky Discovery Parks accross the UK, a project which is being led by the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.
• Promoting a world wide star-count in the UK, alongside the Globe at Night project.
• Working with Dan Nixon of the Need-Less campaign to develop further awareness materials

For the full list of astronomy events happening during 2009, see the IYA2009-UK online calendar.