Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

This is a release from The Franklin.

The Franklin aims to harness the stars when it becomes the home of the exclusive world exhibit Galileo, The Medici and The Age of Astronomy. This unique exhibition, which features the original telescope that Galileo used, has been timed to take place during the 400^th anniversary of Galileo’s astronomical discoveries and the 75^th anniversary of The Franklin’s Planetarium.

This quadricentennial celebration of the modern era of astronomy has also inspired an extraordinary worldwide effort entitled the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), which will be launched in early 2009 by The International Astronomical Union (IAU) under the theme, “The Universe, Yours to Discover.” This is a highly organized global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and the involvement of young people, with events at national, regional and global levels throughout the whole of 2009. UNESCO has endorsed the IYA2009 and the United Nations proclaimed the year 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy.

The IYA2009 activities will take place at the global and regional levels. National Nodes in each country have been formed to prepare activities for 2009. These Nodes establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centers, educators, and science communicators. The Franklin, as host of the Galileo exhibit, will be a key player in the launch of one global cornerstone project for IYA2009, “100 Hours of Astronomy.” The 100 Hours of Astronomy cornerstone project (100HA) is a round-the-clock, worldwide event with 100 continuous hours of a wide range of public outreach activities, including live webcasts, observing events and more. One of the key goals of 100HA is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. 100HA will take place from April 2-5 when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous -- good phases for early evening observing. Saturn will be the other highlight of early evening observing events.

The Franklin was a natural host for the kick-off of 100HA – and will launch the Galileo exhibit and 100 Hours event with a simultaneous “big bang.” Already on The Franklin agenda is a press event that aims to hook up science centers throughout the world for a 100HA webcast, a major lecture on Galileo, a public observatory event, and a special anniversary Planetarium show.

Other 100HA activities include 24 hours of live webcasts from research observatories around the world, along with observing events and other outreach activities at participating observatories. These primary activities will culminate in the world’s greatest public observing event (to be announced). A wrap-up will be held at the IAU General Assembly in 2009 to recognize all participants’ contributions to this unique global event.

To continue The Franklin’s celebration of the IYA and Galileo, an ongoing exhibit lecture series is planned, with topic ranging from modern-day astronomical discoveries to the challenges of politics and religion to Galileo’s efforts. The Franklin’s popular monthly “Night Skies” observatory events will significantly widen its outreach and activities. The Franklin Institute’s prestigious Franklin Awards, later in April of 2009, will also have a “cosmos” theme for its major Bower medalist. Additionally, The Franklin is planning a series of monthly Planetarium events throughout 2009, ranging from film screenings, special planetarium shows, ensemble music programs themed around celestial bodies and a blowout 75^th birthday party!

Contact(s):

• Kat Stein, (215) 448-2375
• Donna Schorr, (215) 599-0782