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 experience 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.

More information here

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

UN Millenium Development Goals