The International Year of Astronomy 2009 will host a press conference
during the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science (JENAM 2009)
taking place at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. The press
conference is scheduled for the morning of Thursday 23 April 2009 at
11:00 BST/12:00 CEST in the Press Office.
This press conference will highlight the principal achievements of the
celebration and the upcoming events and activities.
The topics and panelists are:
* IYA2009: Global Project, achievements and upcoming events: Pedro Russo
* IYA2009 in the UK: Ian Robson
* She is an Astronomer: IYA2009 Cornerstone Project: Helen Walker
* Portal to the Universe: IYA2009 Cornerstone Project: Lars Lindberg
Christensen
Media registration for JENAM 2009 is free of charge — any bona fide
media delegates can pre-register online using the form at
http://www.jenam2009.eu/default.asp?langid=0&contentid=1400
(advance registration is not essential but encouraged).
Notes
The vision of the IYA2009 (www.astronomy2009.org) is to help the
citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through
the day and night-time skies, appreciate 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 aim of the IYA2009 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 countries.
The IYA2009 activities are taking place at the global and regional
levels, and especially at the national and local levels. National
Nodes in each state have been formed to prepare activities for 2009.
These Nodes establish collaborations between professional and amateur
astronomers, science centers, educators and science communicators in
preparing activities for 2009. The International Year of Astronomy was
proclaimed by the United Nations on 20 December 2007.
