Starry Starry Night - Coonabarabran

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.”
400 years Galileo became the first astronomer to study the moon and planets using a telescope. Albeit, a very primitive one by today’s standards, it was still an incredible step forward for the science. The largest telescope here at Siding Spring has a 3.9m or 154 inch mirror. Galileo was the first person to observe the four large moons of Jupiter and notice that they went round the planet. He was the first man to see sunspots and the phases of Venus. All these observations led him to conclude that planets went round the sun.
Galileo constructed not one but two hundred telescopes and donated them to various educational institutes for astronomical observations. He wrote his book in Italian so that his countrymen would understand him. Thursday 8th January, is the anniversary of his death in 1642.
Throughout Australia and the world stargazers have started off an extensive round of events to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. Over 135 nations are collaborating to bring the universe closer to Earth. Events and activities will take place over the coming 365 days and beyond in a spectacle of cosmic proportions.

While the official IYA2009 opening ceremony will take place in Paris on January 15-16, 2009, locally Starry, Starry Night events are being held at National Parks throughout the State to mark the commencement of the International Year of Astronomy.

Warrumbungle National Park, in conjunction with Siding Spring Observatory, has worked to put these nights together locally over the past year. Now, they are going to be held in National Parks right across the state. They are extremely popular and give people an opportunity to look at the stars in dark conditions. Experienced astronomy guides and local indigenous people are there to tell the stories of the wonders of the night sky. Local astronomers bring along telescopes and show the visitors interesting objects such as whatever planets may be visible, the craters of the moon and all sorts of interesting objects. Orion, better known down under as the Saucepan is a wonderful source of interesting objects to look at with the Great Orion Nebula, a massive star forming area making a lovely image through the eyepieces of the telescopes available. The telescopes we use are much bigger than Galileo’s and folks can hope to see some amazing objects. It is a great opportunity to ask questions and seek advice on telescopes and viewing the night sky.

These events are a great part of the International Year of astronomy as they really fir the theme of “The Universe – Yours to Discover”.