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Home » Global Projects » Cornerstone Projects » The Galileoscope
The Galileoscope: millions looking at the sky

 

 Who does not remember the first time they looked at the Moon through a
 telescope and were amazed by the details of the mountains and craters?
 The same is true for Jupiter's cloud belts and its Galilean moons,
 Saturn's rings and remote sparkling star clusters. Observing through a
 telescope for the first time is an experience that shapes our view of
 the sky and the Universe.

 The IYA2009 programme wants to share this observational and personal
 experience with as many people as possible across the world. It is
 collaborating with the US IYA2009 National Node to develop a simple,
 accessible, easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use telescope that can be
 distributed by the millions. Ideally, every participant in an IYA2009
 event should be able to take home one of these little telescopes,
 enabling them to observe with an instrument similar to Galileo's.
 Sharing this ecperience and making people think about the importance is
 one of the main goals of IYA2009: Promote widespread access to new
 knowledge and observing experiences. A do-it-yourself Galileoscope
 could be the key to pursuing an interest in astronomy beyond IYA2009,
 especially for people who cannot afford to buy a commercial telescope.

  

  We aim to give 10 million people their first look through an
  astronomical telescope in 2009. This is achievable if, for example,
  100 000 amateur observers each show the sky to 100 people. Millions of
  small telescopes are sold every year, but anecdotal evidence suggests
  that most are rarely used for astronomy. A worldwide Telescope Amnesty
  programme will invite people to bring their little-used telescopes to
  IYA2009 events, where astronomers will teach owners how to use them
  and offer advice on repairs, improvements and/or replacements,
  encouraging more people to stay involved in the hobby. We encourage
  the organisers of IYA2009 celebrations in all countries to promote
  similar activities, with a common goal of giving 10 million people
  worldwide their first look through an astronomical telescope.


  Task Group
  Rick Fienberg (USA, Phillips Academy) - Chair
  Kevin Govender (South Africa, SALT)
  Steve Pompea (USA, NOAO)
  Ian Robson (UK, ROE)

   

    
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