What are they?

Astro Cards are available free of charge to IYA Partners (RASC Centres, FAAQ Clubs, University Liaisons, Science Centres, and CASCA Liaisons) who have registered events on the Events Database (see fact sheet. “How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website”)

These seven beautiful cards show full-colour images of the universe with educational text in both languages. Most images were taken by Canadian astronomers (both professional and amateur), and are of object types that can be seen easily with a small telescope or the naked eye. They were designed by Jennifer West of the RASC Winnipeg Centre.

The cards are titled: Star Cluster, Galaxy, Jupiter, the Moon, Nebula, Saturn and the Sun.

The AstroCards can be viewed at: http://www.davelane.ca/astro-card-front.pdf and http://www.davelane.ca/astro-card-back.pdf

Anyone who receives an AstroCard can visit the website www.astronomy2009.ca/card and register to have their name sent into space on a Canada Space Agency mission in 2010.

Who are they for?

These collectible cards will appeal to people of all age groups. Everyone who attends a Galileo Moment – like your event - can be given AstroCards. (see attached Fact Sheet: Galileo Moment)

How do I use it?

The AstroCards are appropriate for all age levels and all activities.

Hand out the AstroCards at every IYA event you have – star parties, school visits, lectures, image displays, concerts – everything!

Tell people that the AstroCard has the website address – www.astronomy2009.ca/card  - where they can enter the registration number found on the card and have their name sent into space.

Tell them that the website is also a great source of information about the universe, upcoming IYA events in their area and across Canada, and links to lots of other fascinating sites.

Consider handing out cards that are relevant to the time of year – especially if yours is an observing event. (e.g. Jupiter = fall; galaxies & Saturn = spring; etc)

How does someone register to send his or her name into space?

Anyone who attends a Galileo Moment can receive Astro Cards and register to send their name into space. Almost all of the events that you put on in 2009 will qualify as Galileo Moments (see attached Fact Sheet: Galileo Moment)

The AstroCards have the website address and registration numbers on them. When someone goes to the website www.astronomy2009.ca/card, they can follow the link to a page that lets them register their name. It’s that easy!

The registration will ask only for their name, town, province and grade level (for those that are in school). No other identifying information is required. They will not be contacted in the future, unless they request it.

They will have an opportunity to write something if they wish – for example, their thoughts about IYA, or astronomy, or your event.

The registration page has built-in features that prevent spamming and fake entries.

How do I order AstroCards?

Astro Cards are available free of charge to IYA Partners (RASC Centres, FAAQ Clubs, University Liaisons, Science Centres, and CASCA Liaisons) who have registered events on the Events Database (see fact sheet. “How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website”)

1.    If you are an FAAQ club or Quebec organization, please refer to the FAAQ version of this Fact Sheet, which contains information specific to Québec.

2.    Register your event/s on the website www.astronomy2009.ca  (Need help? See Fact Sheet: How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website)

3.    After registering your event/s, send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it requesting Astro Cards, with your full mailing address. Include the name/s and date/s of your event/s so that we can cross reference. If you have more than 5 events registered, simply tell us how many there are and the location.

We are still working out the logistical details on how to order AstroCards subsequent to the first shipment – we will revise this document when these details are known.

4.    After your event, have your designated person go back to the website and report the numbers of people who attended.

Reporting attendance is MANDATORY for 2 reasons:

•    Keeping track of numbers will help us to measure the success of IYA and to report to funders. Our ability to do so accurately will attract funders.

•    You will not be able to order new materials until you have reported on your registered events.