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41% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the most important benefit of hosting the Square Kilometre Array telescope, would be the boost it gives our international reputation as experts in this field. |
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37% opted for “attracting more young people into science and engineering”; and 22% for “foreign investment for local technology projects”. |
Scientists at Stellenbosch University have developed a high-tech "tea bag" filter that fits into the neck of a bottle and turns polluted water into clean water as you drink from it.
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Cultural barriers are the most common challenge faced by communicators around the world when trying to share the marvels of astronomy with the broader public. However, efforts to address these barriers are gaining momentum, and this was eagerly discussed at the 2010 Communicating Astronomy with the Public conference (CAP2010).
Dr Nicola Loaring of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), which coordinated the conference, used the event to highlight SAAO’s own awareness activities during International Year Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) and their effect on surrounding communities.
“The process was complex,” she said. “There were many hurdles along the way, and many lessons to be learned. Still, the rewards were endless not only for SAAO but for astronomy enthusiasts too. The Star Party that was held at the start of the year, and the activities relating to the partial solar eclipse, were hugely successful. We are still reaping the rewards of the popularity of IYA2009.”
CAP brings together astronomy communicators from all corners of the globe, to address modern challenges in astronomy communication from a global perspective. Hosted at the Ritz Hotel in Sea Point, this year’s gathering included "producers" of astronomical information (research scientists), "public information officers" (connected with large observatories and space missions), and "mediators" (science reporters and writers; staff members from museums, planetariums, and national parks; operators of commercial astronomy websites; and educators).
Discussions covered the outcomes and legacy of the IYA2009, and ways to make public astronomical knowledge accessible to everyone across national, language, political, social and cultural borders, as well as to those with disability limitations.
Stefano Sandrelli of the Italian Institute of Astrophysics, INAF - Brera Astronomical Observatory, Italy, gave a fascinating talk about linking art with science. View his presentation at http://www.communicatingastronomy.org/cap2010/programme
For more details and other presentations, visit
http://www.communicatingastronomy.org/cap2010/
Astronomy communicators pictured at the CAP2010 conference in Sea Point.
Photo by Sze-leung Cheung