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The International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Belgium

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Belgium. Dr. Rodrigo Alvarez Royal Observatory of Belgium, Planetarium SPoC from Belgium. Belgium: only 10 millions inhabitants… … but rich astronomical offer: 7 public observatories 6 planetaria More than 80 amateur astronomical clubs (VVS).

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The International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Belgium

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  1. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 in Belgium Dr. Rodrigo Alvarez Royal Observatory of Belgium, Planetarium SPoC from Belgium

  2. Belgium: only 10 millions inhabitants… • … but rich astronomical offer: • 7 public observatories • 6 planetaria • More than 80 amateur astronomical clubs (VVS) Astronomy in Belgium Beisbroek public observatory

  3. Belgium: only 10 millions inhabitants… • … but rich astronomical offer: • 5 science centers • 8 world-leading astronomical institutes • Industries connected to ESO (VLTI) and ESA large projects Astronomy in Belgium Technopolis science center

  4. A vast choice of competent actors to welcome and guide astronomy aficionados as well as simply curious people Astronomy in Belgium Euro Space Center

  5. Besides this large panel of activities … • … a series of regular events promoting science (astronomy): • Star gazing events: • Sterrenkijkdagen • De Nachten • Nuit des étoiles Regular events Nuit des étoiles

  6. Besides this large panel of activities … • … a series of regular events promoting science (astronomy): • Science festivals: • Wetenschapsfeest • Printemps des Sciences • Expo-Sciences • Ruimtevaartdagen Regular events Wetenschapsfeest

  7. Besides this large panel of activities … • … a series of regular events promoting science (astronomy): • Open doors: • Kinderuniversiteit (KULeuven) • Royal Observatory of Belgium • Experimentarium (ULB) Regular events Open doors at ROB

  8. Besides this large panel of activities … • … a series of regular events promoting science (astronomy): • International events: • Researchers’ Night (European Union) • Science on Stage • IY Physics, Heliophysical, Polar, Earth Regular events Researchers’ Night

  9. Periodic events allow to punctually attract the media interest and the general public’s attention to astronomy • …but all « cultural » fields have their events calendar as well! • Quite large offer of events, especially in a country as Belgium (« Brussels, the heart of Europe ») Competition between events

  10. Periodic events allow to punctually attract the media interest and the general public’s attention to astronomy • …but all « cultural » fields have their events calendar as well! • Quite large offer of events, especially in a country as Belgium (« Brussels, the heart of Europe ») Competition between events

  11. 27/09: French-speaking community celebration • 27/09: Brussels Museums’ Night • 28/09: Researchers’ Night • 29/09: White Night Competition between events

  12. IYA2009 specificities: • Unique and limited in time (2009) • Supported by prestigious institutions (IAU, UNESCO, UNO?) • International scale • Attract media and general public’s attention • Help triggering passion for astronomy Add-value of the IYA2009

  13. Belgian IYA2009 steering committee: • Major stakeholders promoting astronomy • At the amateur and at the professional level • 41 persons involved • Define and bring to a successful conclusion a series of actions • Make alive the IYA2009 in Belgium The IYA2009 in Belgium

  14. Galileo Galilei theatre drama • Foucault pendulum • Astronomy olympiad • TV broadcast of « Tous sur orbite » (5 min daily) • Special stamp edition • 3 national dates for star gazing events (instead of 1+1+1 per region/association) Investigated possibilities

  15. Night of darkness • Astronomical city tour • Special edition of « Science Connection » magazine • Astronomy kits for schools • Conference • Travelling exhibition • Weekly astronomical files Investigated possibilities

  16. Conclusions • Possibly many actions that will benefit from the support of all the main actors in astronomy in Belgium • Given the hard competition between events, the IYA2009 is the perfect opportunity to help Belgian people to really focus on astronomy and its achievements • www.astronomy2009.be

  17. Thank you for your attention.

  18. As far as astronomy public outreach is concerned, many planetaria, public observatories, amateur astronomical societies, science centers and world-leading astronomical institutes are present and active in Belgium. However, as in many countries offering a rich panel of cultural activities as well as numerous opportunities for sightseeing and many entertainment parks, people willing to promote astronomy have to draw the media attention continuously in order to keep attracting people. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is the perfect opportunity to help Belgian people to really focus on astronomy and its achievements during a full year.  Abstract

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