“One People, One Sky”
Beyond the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, “Global Astronomy Month 2010” (GAM2010) has emerged. Global Astronomy Month aims to call upon people from all over the world to participate in stargazing activities and create a greater sense of shared awareness. As the slogan says—“One People, One Sky”. The Beijing Planetarium will organize a series of activities in April and welcomes your participation.
April 1: The Beijing Planetarium, in synchronization with astronomical popularization institutions in the Philippines and New Zealand, will open telescopes to the public for free. People in the three locations will observe Saturn at the same time to mark the beginning of Global Astronomy Month.
April 2: The Public Observatory of the Beijing Planetarium will open telescopes as planned to observe Mars.
April 3–5: Astronomical popularization activities during the Qingming Festival (The planetarium will be open as usual on April 5).
Public lecture at the Beijing Planetarium: Dr. Wang Yumin, an expert in ancient astronomy, will speak on “Astronomy and Astrology.” (Saturday, April 3, 3:00 PM, Room 505, Building B, Beijing Planetarium).
The first fulldome planetarium show focused on ancient Chinese astronomical knowledge, “Palaces in the Sky,” will have a three-day preview screening.
Commemorating ancestors during the Qingming Festival: The large screen in the main hall on the second floor of Building B will broadcast stories of ancient Chinese astronomers.
The train of the Galactic Railroad departs again in April! Please follow the gaze of the young boy Giovanni to experience the dreamlike galaxy world created by Japanese literary giant Kenji Miyazawa and space art master Kagaya. Sunday, April 4, 4:20 PM: Special screening of the dome planetarium show “Night on the Galactic Railroad” (Ticket office inquiry: 68352453).
Beijing Ancient Observatory “Primary School Student Painting Competition of Ancient Chinese Star Maps” (Inquiry: Chen Xiao 13651068057).
April 9: The Public Observatory of the Beijing Planetarium will open telescopes as planned to observe the Mizar and Alcor double stars.
April 11: Global Sun Day
Do you understand the Sun? Have you seen sunspots? Do you dream of sketching the Sun like a scientist?
Public lecture at the Beijing Planetarium: “Those Things About the Sun,” presented by solar expert Dr. Zhang Changxi.
April 11 is Global “Sun Day.” Weather permitting, the 130mm telescope at the Public Observatory of the Beijing Planetarium will be open to the public for sunspot observations and will conduct synchronized observations with international astronomical organizations. Visitors can also visit the Solar Gallery on the first floor of Building B to create a “real-time” portrait of the Sun by photographing or hand-sketching sunspots.
Around April 14: “Messier Marathon” Observation Activity
There are 108 Messier objects in total, distributed across different positions in the sky; they are among the most spectacular and beautiful objects in the heavens. The challenge of trying to see as many Messier objects as possible in a single night is called a “Messier Marathon,” with top performers seeing over 100. Around the first day of the lunar month in mid-April this year will be one of the best opportunities for experienced amateur astronomers to conduct a Messier Marathon.
April 16: “Beauty Without Borders” Global Saturn Observation
During this comfortable observing season, Saturn’s rings return to our view. If you have a telescope, do not hesitate to set it up and bring Saturn closer to appreciate its beauty. If you do not have a telescope, there is no need for regret; the telescopes at the Beijing Planetarium will be open to the public on April 16 (rescheduled in case of rain), showing you the excitement brought by the starry sky!
April 16–26: The Beijing Planetarium’s science outreach vehicle will travel to Shifang, Sichuan, to carry out astronomical popularization activities.
April 17–23: Global Moon Week
The noisy city gradually becomes quiet at night. The Moon has been quietly listening to the world’s loves, hates, joys, and sorrows for thousands of years. She persistently guards the world, shedding silver moonlight. Clouds ripple away from her, and seeking hearts find direction when turned toward her. During “Global Moon Week” from April 17 to 23, we call on everyone to point their idle telescopes toward the stars and the Moon, casting their gaze into the distant night sky to find and experience a state of tranquility and far-reaching peace amidst the bustling world. Photography enthusiasts can also exchange works taken during Moon Week.
April 17: Public lecture at the Beijing Planetarium: Li Xin will tell the story of “Chasing Fireballs.”
April 21–22: Lyrid Meteor Shower Observation
Meteor showers are a great phenomenon of nature. “Stars” fall, streaking across the night sky. Recorded meteor showers began 2,600 years ago; what kind of grand occasion will tonight’s meteor shower be? In these days when the warmth is still touched by cold, let us lie down and watch a devoted performance by nature!
April 23: Media promotion event for the ancient Chinese astronomical fulldome show “Palaces in the Sky.”
The first fulldome planetarium show with ancient Chinese astronomical knowledge as its main content.
A planetarium show independently designed and produced in China to showcase the ancient astronomical culture of the Chinese nation.
The first planetarium show in the style of Chinese ink and wash painting.
A feast of traditional ancient Chinese astronomical culture dedicated to the Shanghai World Expo.
Soon to be screened at the International Planetarium Society (IPS) conference in Egypt in June 2010.
April 23: The Public Observatory of the Beijing Planetarium will open telescopes as planned to observe the Moon.
April 24: Activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the launch of the “Dong Fang Hong I” satellite and the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Public lecture at the Beijing Planetarium (regarding space exploration, title to be determined).
Special screening of the Digital Universe Theater show “Dawn of the Space Age.” This film records the development of human spaceflight, showing the great achievements of humanity’s exploration of the universe over the past half-century, the hardships of failure, and the beautiful prospects for future space development. In magnificent 360-degree fulldome imagery, the program allows the audience to re-experience humanity’s thrilling journey of space exploration, from the Soviet Union’s launch of the first artificial satellite to the remarkable Apollo moon landing, and to current manned and unmanned space flights. Let us feel the efforts of those brave people, their passion, and their unwavering spirit of exploration amidst the grandeur and shock.
Depending on specific observation conditions that day, professional staff from the Planetarium will observe Dong Fang Hong I and the Hubble Space Telescope.
April 24: Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep Tonight)—“One People, One Sky” Global Star Party
April 24 is the Global Star Party Day of Global Astronomy Month 2010. The activity calls for us to stand under the stars, bring out our telescopes, and encourage more people—especially those who are not yet astronomy enthusiasts—to join in. The activity will span oceans and continents, building a bridge for “One People, One Sky”!
April 30: The Public Observatory of the Beijing Planetarium will open telescopes as planned to observe Saturn.
Beijing Planetarium Ticket Office Inquiry: 68352453
Beijing Planetarium Visit Inquiries: Wang Ying 13683003180
Media Inquiries for Astronomical Activities: Kou Wen 13901394828
Other Matters: Wan Haoyi 13581855753
Related Links:
Global Astronomy Month Website: http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/projects/global-astronomy-month.html
Global Astronomy Month Event Registration: http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/projects/global-astronomy-month/events.html
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