Download this article
- PDF (2.8 MB)

Back to the Table of Contents

Launching Light: Beyond the Bulb for the United Nations’ International Year of Light 2015 (page 12)
Kimberly K. Arcand, Megan Watzke

Key Words
Light, astronomy, exhibits, public science

Summary

In astronomy, light is the language used to understand the Universe. From radio waves to gamma rays, light in all its forms delivers information that helps astronomers learn about the Universe. When the United Nations declared 2015 to be the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL2015), it presented an opportunity to share the role that light plays in astronomy and beyond. The IYL2015 also offered a chance to build on experiences and sustain networks from the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. Light: Beyond the Bulb is an IYL2015 project that melds both of these goals. The project takes the form of an exhibit that showcases what light can do, from here on Earth and across the vastness of space, hosted by volunteer networks in public spaces for informal science learning.