What was the International Year of Astronomy (IYA)?
IYA's vision was to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day and night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. It was a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo. Learn more about NASA's contributions to this celebration here.
How did Barberton Public Library celebrate the IYA?
BPL was chosen as a partner in the International Year of Astronomy Great Observatories Image Unveiling. This program was supported by the NASA Science Mission Directorate Astrophysics Division, and was a collaboration between the Space Telescope Science Institute, the Spitzer Science Center, and the Chandra X-ray Center. As a partner in this program, BPL received two large posters of the center of the galaxy. First, we held an unveiling event that corresponded with events being held all over the country by libraries, schools, museums, planetariums, and observatories. After the event, the images were placed on permanent display in the new Tween section of the library in the Children's Department.
We hope you joined us in the meeting room Monday, November 16, 2009, at 6:30 PM for a special unveiling of these breathtaking images of the center of the galaxy. Local astronomy expert Rich Ruggles provided an explanation of the science behind the images.
What is displayed in the two images received by the library?
Each of the Great Observatories detects different wavelengths of light. The illustration below, from the Space Telescope Science Institute, shows the electromagnetic spectrum, including comparisons between the sizes of the various types of wavelengths and familiar objects. Light that is visible to humans is a very tiny section of the spectrum.
The Hubble Space Telescope observes visible light and a limited range of infrared light. The Spitzer Space Telescope observes a larger range of infrared light. The Chandra X-ray Observatory observes X-rays.
One of the posters contains three separate views of the center of the galaxy - as observed by each of the three Great Observatories. The second poster contains a composite image of the three views obtained by Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra. This image is what we would see if we could observe X-rays, visible light, and infrared light all at the same time.
Where can I learn more?
Amazing Space - Educational materials on the Hubble Space Telescope, including teaching tools.
Cool Cosmos - Educational materials on the Spitzer Space Telescope, including fun activities for children.
Chandra - Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory, with information broken down by audience - kids, students, educators, and planetariums.
Night Sky Network - Find amateur astronomy clubs committed to bringing the wonders of the universe to the public with telescopes, hands-on activities, and NASA resources.
Observing With NASA - Control your own telescope using the MicroObservatory Robotic Telescope Network through this website.
Telescopes From the Ground Up - Learn about the history of telescopes from Galileo to NASA's Great Observatories.
Where can I find out about BPL's participation in the IYA?
NASA Image Unveiling - Click here to get all the details on our November 16 unveiling event.
Astronomy - See what books and other materials on the topic of astronomy are available in BPL's collection.