Philippines
2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observations with the use of a telescope. This year has been declared by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). This world wide event is supported by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Affairs Organization (UNESCO).
1st telescope used in astronomy
The telescope was said to be invented by a Dutch lens maker. It was later modified by Galileo Galilei in 1609 and used, for the first time, for astronomical observations. Galileo’s telescope was able to magnify objects up to 30 times. Among the celestial objects he observed was the moon, Venus, Jupiter, and stars with magnitudes unobservable by the naked eye.
IYA Philippines
Each country has a National Committee on Astronomy (NCA) organized by the IAU. The NCA is composed of individual IAU members of the country, and is tasked to coordinate the event from all over the world. Along with the NCA is the Single Point of Contact (SPOC), who is tasked to coordinate with different private and government organizations who wish to participate with IYA. The SPOC will also serve as link between the Philippine Node and the IAU. The NAC in the Philippines organized a National Organizing Committee (NOC) in a meeting held on Feb. 2, 2007 at the Rizal Technological University. The NOC seeks to get the involvement government agencies and institutions, local astronomy organizations, and the science community.
IAU NCA Philippines:
Dr. Bernardo M. Soriano, Jr. (PAGASA, AGSSB) – chair
Dr. Cynthia Celebre (PAGASA, AsRDS) – SPOC
Dr. Jesus Torres (RTU, Department of Astronomy)
Planned activities
The IYA 2009 celebration is still in its planning phase but several ideas have been presented. Also, Dr. Celebre is trying to gather local legends with regards to astronomy in our culture; one of which is about the ‘mamahi’ in Sulu, which was reported in the Philippine Daily Inquirer by Mr. Ambrosio of UP. Other activities involve: lectures, exhibits, sidewalk viewing, and many others.
Philippines IYA 2009 website
www.astronomy2009.ph
Launched on September 23, 2007, the launching of the Philippine IYA website coincided with the observance of the autumnal equinox. The site will be updated with news and preparations of the IYA celebration, so everyone is invited to visit the site to keep in check.
Participation
Organizations and individuals who wish to participate in the Philippine IYA 2009 celebration can contact Dr. Cynthia Celebre or call the IYA Secretariat office at (02) 434-2715.
