Created by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as a way to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science, this global event celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation through a telescope by Galileo Galilei.

Learn more about IYA2009.
  Evening of Astronomy (a.k.a. “Third Friday Astronomy”)
International Year of Astronomy Cornerstone Projects
2009 SunWatch Lecture Series: Archaeoastronomy in the Americas<
Other Astronomy Programs
  Each clear Friday evening we open our Apollo Observatory to the public to join us in observing the night sky with our 50 cm Dall-Kirkham telescope. The building that houses the telescope was constructed in 1969 and the telescope was installed in 1971. These free observing opportunities have existed for members of our community ever since our telescope saw first light. Members of our local amateur astronomy club, the MVAS (Miami Valley Astronomical Society), assist us with these observing opportunities.

On the third Friday of each month, we offer additional programming in the planetarium beginning at 7:00 p.m. In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, the mini-courses of each Third Friday program will center on Galileo’s discoveries and/or the use of telescopes. Participants will be able to explore the cosmos through images, hands-on demonstrations and creative graphics in the planetarium, creating an out of this world experience. Immediately following our astronomy program we host “What’s Up?” in the planetarium, a presentation that features what individuals would will see in the night sky if it is clear. While observing continues throughout the evening in the observatory, fun laser shows will show in the planetarium.

Telescopes and Space Probes: Today’s Starry Messengers Join the Boonshoft Museum’s staff of experts and the Miami Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) as they demonstrate telescope use. (January 16, 7:00 p.m.)

Our Solar System and the Discoveries of Galileo In honor of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first use of a telescope to observe the skies, join us to learn more about his amazing discoveries. (February 20, 7:00 p.m.)

Dark Skies What are types of light pollution? Learn how poor lighting affects all types of plants and animals, how good lighting can increase visibility and decrease energy costs and how to participate at home in the worldwide programs, Globe at Night and Earth Hour. (March 20, 7:00 p.m.)

Our Sun During this preview for Astronomy Day 2009, learn about the Sun and how it affects life on Earth. (April 17, 7:00 p.m.)

Cluster of Stars Learn about star clusters and what objects can be seen in the Summer Triangle. (May 15, 7:00 p.m.)

Black Holes Learn about the structure of the Milky Way, as we explore these mysterious objects. (June 19, 7:00 p.m.)

Rocks and Ice in the Solar System Get ready for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower and learn about comets and what they can tell us about our solar system. (July 17, 7:00 p.m.)

Planets and Moons Learn about the probes that have investigated the eight planets and a few of the more than twelve dozen moons of our solar system. (August 21, 7:00 p.m.)

Galaxies and the Distant Universe What can we observe outside of our Milky Way Galaxy? We will distinguish between objects located in our solar system and objects beyond but still inside our Milky Way Galaxy. (September 18, 7:00 p.m.)

The Lives of Stars Explore the stages of star “life” and discover where our Sun fits into this cycle. (October 16, 7:00 p.m.)

Telescope Pointers Join us at our third annual telescope presentation to see demonstrations by MVAS and Astronomical League members. Learn what qualities are most important for you when looking for a telescope. (November 20, 7:00 p.m.)

Discovering New Worlds More than 300 planets have been discovered in orbit around other stars in our Milky Way Galaxy. How were they discovered and what are they like? (December 18, 7:00 p.m.)
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  IYA Cornerstone Project: Dark Skies One of the most serious concerns for astronomers is the problem of ambient light created by large cities and how it affects living things everywhere. This awareness program takes place globally from March 16 -28. Learn how you can participate at the Evening of Astronomy on March 20 at 7:00 p.m.

IYA Cornerstone Project: Earth Hour Join millions of people world-wide and demonstrate your concern for the planet by turning off your lights for an hour. From 8:30–9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, spread the word and turn off your lights – then step outside and see what a difference it can make! Learn how you can participate at the Evening of Astronomy on March 20.

IYA Cornerstone Project: 100 Hours of Astronomy Check out our part of a global astronomical “marathon” to celebrate the night sky as a natural resource! This 100-hour, ‘round-the-clock, ‘round-the-globe event will include live webcasts from activities around the world. Observation at the Boonshoft Museum will be held from 8:00–11:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3.
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  For thousands of years, native cultures around the world have studied the sky and used astronomical markers to understand the world, and plan their daily lives. In honor of the International Year of Astronomy, the 2009 SunWatch Lecture Series: Archaeoastronomy in the Americas will explore this rich history!

Ancient Skywatchers of North America Part I of the 2009 SunWatch Lecture Series. Featured Speaker: Bill Iseminger, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL (Saturday, February 7, 10:30 a.m.)

The Archaeoastronomy of SunWatch Part II of the 2009 SunWatch Lecture Series. Featured Speaker: Wade Allen, former Curator of Astronomy for the Dayton Society of Natural History. (Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.)

Hopewell Archaeoastronomy and Geomancy: New Discoveries Using LiDAR Part III of the 2009 SunWatch Lecture Series. Featured Speaker: Dr. William F. Romain, Research Associate, Ohio State University Newark Earthworks Center. (Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.)

Prehistoric Astronomy in the American Southwest Part IV of the 2009 SunWatch Lecture Series. Featured Speaker: J. McKim (Kim) Malville, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder (Saturday, May 2, 10:30 a.m.)

Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, the SunWatch Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Programs begin at 10:30 a.m. and conclude by 12:00 noon. Admission fees apply for guests wishing to explore the Village or the Interpretive Center before or after the presentations.
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  Astronomy Day Celebrate the day and night sky with special activities at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and safe solar observing, weather permitting. (Saturday, May 2)

39th Annual Apollo Rendezvous and Star Party One of the country’s oldest amateur astronomy conferences, hosted by the MVAS at the Boonshoft Museum. More information will be available at: www.mvas.org (June 12–13)
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Learn more about IYA2009.