I.C.E. Club – Madagascar

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) has been launched by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under the theme, “The Universe, yours to discover”.

The official IYA2009 Opening Ceremony will take place in Paris on 15 and 16 January 2009. It will feature keynote speakers, including Nobel Laureates, and live video feeds to scientists working in remote locations. Many nations are holding their own Opening Ceremonies in January and February, showing their dedication to the Year. The IYA2009 Solar Physics Group have been busy planning a grand worldwide campaign, with more than 30 countries, which will see amateur stargazers set up their telescopes on pavements as well as in science centres, letting passers-by observe the Sun using special safety equipment. Madagascar is part of this IYA2009 celebration.

IYA2009 marks the 400^th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first astronomical observation through a telescope, and the 40^th anniversary of the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong.

Goals:

The goals of IYA2009 are to: 1- increase scientific awareness; 2- promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; 3- empower astronomical communities in developing countries; 4- support and improve formal and informal science education; 5- provide a modern image of science and scientists; 6- facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones; 7- improve the gender-balanced representation of scientists at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented of scientific and engineering careers; 8- facilitate the preservation and protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.

Programs in Madagascar:

Dr. Charles RATSIFARITANA

English Corner Team had the opportunity to talk to the first responsible of this event here in Madagascar, the SPoC (Single Point of Contact), Dr Charles RATSIFARITANA. He gently presented the programs of IYA2009 in Madagascar:

- The observatory ASTRO of Ankadiefajoro. This is a permanent exhibit on the Universe and Astronomy (80 posters) which has already been launched since November 1^st, 2008. The material has been inspired from the ATLAS document: The universe in questions Stargazing sessions and scientific mediation (for example, simulation of the solar system, eclipse etc… trivial pursuit based on Astronomy) regularely held on weekends, depending on the weather.

- Conferences and exhibits at universities and high schools throughout this year. 2 conferences had already taken place at Alliance Française and American Cultural Center. On May, 3 special guests will come to Madagascar and will lead some conferences.

- TV broadcasts; a weekly 10 minutes scientific program will be launched on MBS TV (Malagasy Broadcasting System). The Madagascar IYA2009 team has already established a 52 questions program to be discussed. These questions are based on the ATLAS CARDS “ THE UNIVERSE IN QUESTIONS”

- Hundreds of Galileoscopes will be ordered. Teachers of high schools will be trained to use them. This program has been approved by the Ministry if Education. Yet, funds are needed to release this project.

- On the second week of the August, the HEP/MAD (High Energy Physics/Madagascar) 2009 international scientific conference will be held in Antananarivo with ASTROPHYSICS among the themes.

I believe that Malagasy students, teachers, citizens are expecting a lot from this IYA2009 event as “The Universe is ours to discover in the International Year of Astronomy 2009”.

The pics below are examples of what you will discorver at the exbibits.

Transit of Venus

Horsehead Nebula

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