The International Year of Astronomy 2009

in Belgium

Dr. Rodrigo AlvarezRoyal Observatory of Belgium, Planetarium

SPoC from Belgium

• Belgium: only 10 millions inhabitants…

• … but rich astronomical offer:– 7 public observatories– 6 planetaria– More than 80 amateur

astronomical clubs (VVS)

Astronomy in Belgium

Beisbroek public observatory

• Belgium: only 10 millions Belgium: only 10 millions inhabitants… inhabitants…

• … but rich astronomical but rich astronomical offer:offer:– 5 science centers– 8 world-leading

astronomical institutes– Industries connected to

ESO (VLTI) and ESA large projects

Astronomy in Belgium

Technopolis science center

A vast choice of competent actors to welcome and guide astronomy aficionados as well as simply curious people

Astronomy in Belgium

Euro Space Center

• Besides this large panel of activities …

• … a series of regular events promoting science (astronomy):– Star gazing events:

• Sterrenkijkdagen• De Nachten• Nuit des étoiles

Regular events

Nuit des étoiles

• Besides this large panel of Besides this large panel of activities … activities …

• … … a series of regular a series of regular events promoting science events promoting science (astronomy):(astronomy):– Science festivals:

• Wetenschapsfeest• Printemps des Sciences• Expo-Sciences• Ruimtevaartdagen

Regular events

Wetenschapsfeest

• Besides this large panel of Besides this large panel of activities … activities …

• … … a series of regular a series of regular events promoting science events promoting science (astronomy):(astronomy):– Open doors:

• Kinderuniversiteit (KULeuven)• Royal Observatory of Belgium• Experimentarium (ULB)

Regular events

Open doors at ROB

• Besides this large panel of Besides this large panel of activities … activities …

• … … a series of regular a series of regular events promoting science events promoting science (astronomy):(astronomy):– International events:

• Researchers’ Night (European Union)

• Science on Stage• IY Physics, Heliophysical,

Polar, Earth

Regular events

Researchers’ Night

• Periodic events allow to punctually attract the media interest and the general public’s attention to astronomy

• …but all « cultural » fields have their events calendar as well!

Quite large offer of events, especially in a country as Belgium (« Brussels, the heart of Europe »)

Competition between events

• Periodic events allow to punctually attract the media interest and the general public’s attention to astronomy

• …but all « cultural » fields have their events calendar as well!

Quite large offer of events, especially in a country as Belgium (« Brussels, the heart of Europe »)

Competition between events

• 27/09: French-speaking community celebration

• 27/09: Brussels Museums’ Night

• 28/09: Researchers’ Night• 29/09: White Night

Competition between events

• IYA2009 specificities: – Unique and limited in time (2009)– Supported by prestigious institutions

(IAU, UNESCO, UNO?)– International scale

Attract media and general public’s attention

Help triggering passion for astronomy

Add-value of the IYA2009

• Belgian IYA2009 steering committee: – Major stakeholders promoting astronomy– At the amateur and at the professional

level– 41 persons involved

Define and bring to a successful conclusion a series of actions

Make alive the IYA2009 in Belgium

The IYA2009 in Belgium

• Galileo Galilei theatre drama • Foucault pendulum• Astronomy olympiad• TV broadcast of « Tous sur orbite » (5 min daily)• Special stamp edition• 3 national dates for star gazing events (instead of

1+1+1 per region/association)

Investigated possibilities

• Night of darkness • Astronomical city tour• Special edition of « Science Connection »

magazine• Astronomy kits for schools• Conference• Travelling exhibition• Weekly astronomical files

Investigated possibilities

Conclusions Possibly many actions that will benefit from the support of all the main actors in astronomy in Belgium

Given the hard competition between events, the IYA2009 is the perfect opportunity to help Belgian

people to really focus on astronomy and its achievements

www.astronomy2009.be

Thank you for your attention.

• As far as astronomy public outreach is concerned, many planetaria, public observatories, amateur astronomical societies, science centers and world-leading astronomical institutes are present and active in Belgium. However, as in many countries offering a rich panel of cultural activities as well as numerous opportunities for sightseeing and many entertainment parks, people willing to promote astronomy have to draw the media attention continuously in order to keep attracting people. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is the perfect opportunity to help Belgian people to really focus on astronomy and its achievements during a full year. 

Abstract