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International Year of Astronomy |
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Aug 03, 2008 at 11:08 AM |
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In case you haven't heard, the UN has declared 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. You can visit the official website for the celebration here at http://www.astronomy2009.org/
A brief History of Telescopes*
In July 1609, Galileo was in Venice, when he heard of an invention that allowed distant objects to be seen as distinctly as if they were nearby. In October 1608, a Flemish spectacle-maker by the name of Hans Lipperhey had already applied for a patent (which was refused), and news of the gadget was widespread in Europe by the time Galileo had heard of it. Around the same time, a foreigner turned up in Padua with the instrument; Galileo rushed back to Padua, only to learn that the foreigner had gone to Venice to sell his instrument. Galileo's friend, Paolo Sarpi, had advised the Venetian government against purchasing the instrument from the foreigner, since Galileo could at least match such an invention. By then, Galileo had worked out the principle of the telescope and returned to Venice himself with an eight-power telescope. The Venetian government doubled his salary, though Galileo felt that the original conditions were not honoured.Galileo gradually improved the power of his telescope, grinding lenses himself, and began observing the heavens. and in just 400 years !!.... IYA2009) is an ideal opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made to society by Astronomy. During the year we are planning several public events with local and international experts. Be you student or researcher, professional or amateur there will be plenty of opportunity for you to take part. * Courtesy of Sachiko Kusukawa, Dept. of History and Philosophy of Science of the University of Cambridge.
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Last Updated ( Feb 02, 2009 at 02:33 PM )
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International Year of Astronomy