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The International Year of Astronomy
at The University of Iowa
The United Nations has declared 2009 to be the "International Year of Astronomy". This year has been chosen because it is the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical use of the telescope by Galileo. Galileo's use of the telescope as a scientific instrument ushered in the modern age, not only in astronomy, but also in physics and other physical sciences. The International Year of Astronomy is intended for the general public of every country. The goal is to communicate a sense of awareness of astronomy to everyone. This awareness includes a reacquaintance with the daytime and nighttime sky that was common knowledge to our ancestors. It also includes sharing the wonderful discoveries about the universe that have been made since the time of Galileo, and at an accelerating rate in the last few decades. As a major public university, The University of Iowa is pleased to offer a series of public talks on astronomy in the year 2009, what it has learned about the universe, and how it affects our view of our place in the universe.

Schedule of Public Lectures

Date Title of Talk Speaker
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 The Sun Since the Time of Galileo Dr. Steven R. Spangler
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 The Physics of Astrophysics: The Universe on a Tabletop Mr. Dale E. Stille
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 The Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe Dr. Robert L. Mutel
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Finding Our Place in the Cosmos Dr. Kenneth G. Gayley
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Future Spacecraft Exploration of the Solar System Dr. William S. Kurth
Saturday, July 18, 2009 Star Clusters: Cities of Stars Dr. Steven R. Spangler
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Exploring the Ancient Climate of Mars Dr. Ingrid A. Ukstins Peate
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Black Holes of All Sizes Dr. Philip E. Kaaret
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Supernovae: Stars that Explode Dr. Randall L. McEntaffer

All events are at 7:00 p.m. in Lecture Room 1 of Van Allen Hall on the University of Iowa campus, except for July 18, which will be held at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center near Mount Vernon, Iowa beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy in advance at (319) 335-1688.

  International Year of Astronomy logo

Related Links

o  International Year of Astronomy World Web Page
o  USA IYA 2009 National Node Web Page
o  Astronomy in Our Neighborhood: The Cedar Amateur Astronomers
o  More Astronomy in Our Neighborhood: Iowa City Astronomy Club
o  The Sun at this moment
o  The Astronomy Picture of the Day
Last updated July 23, 2009.
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