100 Hours of Astronomy
One of the biggest events to take place during the 2009 International Year of Astronomy was the 100 Hours of Astronomy as a Global Cornerstone Project. From 10-13 January of 2019, a new 100 Hours of Astronomy event took place as part of the IAU 100 celebrations. This project was a 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-globe celebration composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. The project was a strong success, as more than 1200 astronomy activities took place across 86 countries worldwide throughout this 100 Hours of Astronomy .
From 10-13 January, various innovative and inclusive astronomy activities were organised around the world in support of the general goals of the IAU100 initiative in promoting the key role of astronomy for development, education, outreach and diplomacy. From a music concert in Chile, space fashion conference in Italy, star-gazing for high school girls in Nigeria, star parties in the United States of America and a telescope workshop for children in Japan, the events inspired participants around the world with the wonders of astronomy. Other organised activities include conferences, talks, sky observations, classroom projects, movie screenings, art projects, and more.
Activity participants and event organisers shared their enthusiasm for astronomy on social media by using the hashtags #IAU100 and #100HoursOfAstronomy. To view pictures that were shared and submitted by event organisers and participants, please visit the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Flickr page.
Winners of the 100 Hours of Astronomy telescope contest also organised events that used their Bresser Refractor telescopes that were signed by six astronauts and IAU president Ewine van Dishoeck to support their astronomy educational activities with children around the world. These activities were held in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Nicaragua, Peru, Serbia, Syria and Uganda. Some event organisers will also be selected as winners for various prize packages.