Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal

Editorial
Pedro Russo

ON 25 AUGUST 1609, Galileo demonstrated his telescope to Venetian lawmakers. This
was the first astronomical outreach activity using the new instrument. It is curious how this
simple “star party” will be celebrated in the biggest educational and public outreach initiative
ever. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 was proclaimed at the highest level
by the United Nations, in recognition of the major impact that astronomy has on our daily
lives and its contribution to a more equitable and peaceful society. So far, the International
Year of Astronomy 2009 is supported by 104 National Nodes, 15 Organisational Nodes,
9 Organisational Associates, 11 Global Cornerstone Projects and 7 Task Groups. This
event is the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of astronomy in society and to further
develop our community.

The CAP conference (CAP2007) was a good example of how the astronomy education
and public outreach community is becoming ever more professional. Over 200 participants
attended four days of talks, meetings and lively discussions. These communitybuilding
initiatives enhance our activities and, most importantly, provide a forum for the
discussion of problems and prospects in the field.

As an example of commitment, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
CAPjournal working group member Andrew Fraknoi, for the Award of 2007 California
Professor of the Year and the American Institute of Physics Andrew Gemant Award. These
prizes reflect Andrew’s sustained commitment and dedication to astronomy education
and public outreach for over 30 years.

In this issue we marvel at the breathtaking images taken by astrophotographers from The
World at Night project, get insider tips from authors of the two most popular astronomy
vodcasts available on the web, learn how to navigate the labyrinth of European Commission
grants for education/outreach and much more.

We’d also like to welcome Ryan Wyatt as the author of our first regular column, “
Visualising Astronomy”. Ryan will give us his opinions and perspectives about the growing field of graphical science communication.

CAPjournal is a newcomer to the field, but we are extremely happy with the community
feedback, which gives us an added incentive to continue. Between editions you can stay
in touch through our website, www.capjournal.org, where we have comments on featured
papers, a job bank, back issues and the current issue of CAPjournal. You can also post
anything you have to say on the site or e-mail me at editor@capjournal.org. I’d love to
know what you think!