Sidewalk Astronomy Comes to Florence

Posted Thursday, January 22, 2009

Florence, SC, January 22, 2009-In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009’s (IYA2009) theme, “The Universe, Yours to Discover,” ScienceSouth will provide residents and visitors to the Pee Dee a glimpse into outer space.

Each month, the “Sidewalk Astronomer” will make his appearance around the Pee Dee. During the day observers will be able to see solar eruptions through an H1-Alpha telescope that filters out the sun’s damaging rays. At night look through a spectacular 10-inch Dobsonian reflecting telescope that filters out the lights of the “big city” for optimal viewing of the evening sky. All Sidewalk Astronomy events are free and the location will be announced each month.

IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first recorded astronomical observation of the night’s sky with a telescope. To celebrate this moment in history, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations have designated 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). IYA2009’s aim is to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science.

This month, we will kick off the Sidewalk Astronomer at the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library. The night viewing will be Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The day viewing will be Saturday, January 31st at 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

If you would like the Sidewalk Astronomer to visit your place of business or area, please contact ScienceSouth at 843-679-5353.

ScienceSouth is a nonprofit educational organization with the mission to advance scientific understanding and increase the competitiveness of future generations in all areas of science. Visit www.sciencesouth.org to find out how you can participate in “science you can get up and do.

CONTACT:
Sheryl Love
ScienceSouth
1511 Freedom Blvd.
Florence, SC 29505
sheryl@sciencesouth.org
www.sciencesouth.org