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Editorial (page 03)
Pedro Russo & Jarita Holbrook

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) was a success by any measure, as demonstrated in the recently published final report. In this special issue of CAPjournal, we take a look at IYA2009 events that focused on cultural astronomy and discuss how including a historical or cultural aspect to an astronomy event can help to engage with a wider audience. By introducing a human element to the grand cosmos, we can make astronomy more enjoyable and easier to understand for the general public.

During IYA2009, many countries ran projects and events that can be classed as “Cultural Astronomy”. The activities focused on indigenous astronomy, the history of astronomy and the inclusive nature of astronomy — a hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Their activities included public events that combined telescope observing with storytelling, new learning modules for school children, theatre productions and cultural astronomy exhibitions.

We hope that this small selection of events that we present in this issue of CAPjournal will encourage others to highlight the cultural aspect of astronomy in their own education and public outreach activities.

Between issues you can stay in touch through our website, www.capjournal.org, where you will find the current issues in PDF format, an astronomy communication and education job bank, submission guidelines and back issues.

We also welcome details about forthcoming astronomy and science communication events (conferences, meetings, etc.), training opportunities, job postings or courses offered. If you have astronomy and science communication-themed products, such as books, DVDs, television programmes, magazines or websites that you would like to see reviewed by the CAPjournal editorial team, simply send the necessary information to: editor@capjournal.org. Any questions, comments or opinions can also be sent to that address.

Happy reading,

Pedro Russo & Jarita Holbrook