If You're Not A Stargazer... Become One!

The public is invited to join in on the fun as NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center celebrates 100 Hours of Astronomy in conjunction with the International Year of Astronomy. This four-day event, designed to bring astronomy to the public around the world, runs from April 2-5, 2009 at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center near Washington, DC.

As part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy, the Astrophysics Science Division at Goddard is coordinating a series of events in an effort to bring astronomy down to earth in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. "These events include live webcasts, tours, educator showcases, rocket launches, and so much more!" NASA states.

A full list of activities is posted at the FMI link below, but some highlights include "behind the scenes" tours of the Goddard facilities; rocket launches with the NARHAMS Rocket Club; workshops on how to "tune up" telescopes; a "Yuri's Night" celebration on April 3; and a concert by The Chromatics. Some of the activities require registration.

Outside of Goddard, related events include a 4.5 mile Planet Walk along the Baltimore-Annapolis Trail, and a 'star party' hosted by the Astronomy Department at Anne Arundel Community College. In addition to star gazing, there will also be talks by planetary scientists.

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of IYA is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover."

FMI: http://universe.nasa.gov/100hours/