Galileo Moment

Our over-arching theme is to offer all Canadians the possibility of enjoying a ‘Galileo Moment’ sometime during 2009. We have a mission statement and parameters for the Galileo Moment suite of activities.

A Galileo Moment is “an engaging astronomy experience” during IYA2009

What does it do?
•    It reminds people of how our perceptions of the Universe, and our place in it, were forever altered by Galileo’s first views through a telescope, 400 years ago.

•    It makes a complex science real and accessible, through reminding people of the child-like wonder of looking at the heavens.

•    It allows scientists and science enthusiasts to interact with the public and builds bridges between the scientific community and other communities (schools, artists, music lovers, children, etc).

•    It builds bridges between different systems of knowing about the universe – scientific, experiential, through stories and art, through aboriginal teachings, etc.

•    It inspires women, girls and boys, and youth to pursue studies in science, engineering and technology, because they are so fascinating, rewarding, and relevant in today’s world.

•    It stirs people to think about the most fundamental questions facing humanity: Where do we come from? Where are we going? What is out there? Are we alone?

•    It establishes a heritage of astronomy-related activities and awareness that will have benefits lasting long after IYA: for children and youth, for our communities, for Canada, and for the world.

More specifically, a Galileo Moment is the participation in, or attendance at, an event that is officially sanctioned as an IYA2009 ACTIVITY – posted on www.astronomy2009.ca - like yours!!

It includes:
•    Looking through a telescope/binoculars (sidewalk astronomy, star parties, at a science centre or observatory, etc.)

•    Daytime solar viewing

•    Visiting a planetarium

•    Visiting an IYA event, show or display at a science centre

•    Attending an astronomy talk or lecture

•    Visits by amateur and professional astronomers to schools and youth groups

•    Attending a concert or art exhibit or public display that both entertains and educates around a theme inspired by astronomy

We have developed user friendly tools and guidelines for tracking the impact of IYA and GM events. The beautiful, collectible Astronomy Trading Cards encourage people to register their names to be sent into space. All names registered at www.astronomy2009.ca will go on a CD that will be launched into space by the Canadian Space Agency in 2010.

Our goal is that all IYA activities (including image and art exhibits, children's programmes, musical events, etc.) will combine elements (brief chats by amateur or professional astronomers, side walk astronomy, etc.) that qualify for Galileo Moment designation, thereby allowing participants to register to have their names launched into orbit. (see Fact Sheet, Astro Cards: “How does someone register to send their name into space?”)