PLANS FOR ACTIVITIES IN MEXICO

Silvia Torres-PeimbertInstituto de Astronomía

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

BACKGROUND ABOUT MEXICO

• 110 million inhabitants• 150 professional astronomers• 10 institutions with professional astronomers • 3 professional observatories• 24 planetaria• ~10 Science museums• 37 astronomical clubs • 4 virtual astronomical clubs• Not very many small telescopes

We have the recent experience of the International Year of Physics in 2005, which gives us a basic model to further develop.

What have we done so far?

1- At Instituto de Astronomía – Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México we have established a working group.

2- We have invited all professional astronomers to participate in the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (Año Internacional de la Astronomía 2009)

3- We have scheduled a working group session at the National Astronomical Meeting to be held in mid-March to establish a national working group

4- We have opened the websites: www.astronomia2009.org.mx www.astronomy2009.org.mxwith basic introductory information.

www.astronomia2009.org.mx Main page

www.astronomia2009.org.mx UNESCO designation

www.astronomia2009.org.mx Activities

www.astronomia2009.org.mx About Galileo

www.astronomia2009.org.mx Contact

PROPOSED WEBSITE DISTRIBUTION

1 Introduction 2 Objetives of IYA 2009 3 Historical Aspects 4 Activities in México 5 Major Events 6 Astronomy in México 7 News 8 Organization 9 International Links10 Image Gallery

PROPOSED PAGE

SUBSECTIONS

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Our strategy is to set up a platform of professional astronomers throughout the country and from there to try to engage friends of astronomy at all levels.

•Museums •Planetaria professionals •Amateur astronomers •Science teachers and students

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:

- Opening/Closing events - Invited speakers - A program of public lectures- A set of popularization texts- A traveling exhibit- An array of radio spots and interviews - A set of TV programs - An enlarged website