IYA2009 Newsletter: Telescope400

[Rick]

From Steve Owens, UK Co-ordinator, International Year of Astronomy 2009

Dear Astronomy Enthusiasts,

Four hundred years ago, an Englishman named Thomas Harriot turned a telescope on the Moon and marvelled at its rugged, cratered surface. The drawing he made that night is the oldest known depiction of a celestial object as seen through a telescope, beating Galileo by four months.

To find out more about the Telescope400 event celebrating the 400th anniversary of Harriot's achievement, an exciting astronomically themed day for space enthusiasts young and old taking place at Syon Park, West London on Sunday 26 July 2009, go here: http://www.telescope400.org.uk/

You also have a chance to win FREE tickets to the Telescope400 event:

"What Would Harriot Tweet?" twitter competition

We have five sets of family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) to the daytime event, as well as two pairs of tickets for the evening lecture / reception to give away. In addition, each winner will receive a special edition "New Moone Catalogue" print. How do you win these great prizes? Simple; put yourself in Thomas Harriot's shoes. Imagine being the first person ever to observe the moon through a telescope. Then imagine that Twitter was around 400 years ago! How would you announce your observations to the world in 140 characters or less?

To find out how to win these prizes, go here:
http://www.astronomy2009.co.uk/index.php/news-mainmenu-37/22-announcements/115-what-would-harriot-tweet

Regards

Steve Owens
International Year of Astronomy 2009
UK Co-ordinator