Our office is starting to plan our 2021 IAU-driven outreach initiatives, and we have to say that we’re quite excited to have you join in on some of these events, so stay tuned as we will reveal more in the upcoming weeks.
In this issue of the newsletter, we’re happy to share a number of talks both recorded and upcoming, including one on the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics and a series on early career astronomers. Leiden University in the Netherlands is also sharing two valuable resources with the community. Lastly, Dark Matter Day is coming up in a few short days and we’ve included more information about this celebration in this issue.
Wishing you clear skies and good health! Lina Canas & Izumi Hansen, on behalf of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) Team
1) IAU Accepting Nominations for Membership
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is accepting applications for new individual, junior and honorary members. Applicants should meet certain eligibility requirements to be considered for membership. Applications must be received by the IAU by 15 December 2020.
2) Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Workshop Recordings
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has released the recordings from the Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society workshop that was held in conjunction with the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The workshop brought together astronomers, industry professionals, and members of the public to discuss the impact of emerging technologies on our dark and quiet skies.
3) IAU Early Career Astronomer (ECA) Online Discourse Series
The IAU Junior Astronomers Working Group is currently holding the IAU Early Career Astronomer (ECA) Online Discourse Series. The series began on 15 October and will run into November. Registration is required for each lecture. Anyone who is an early career astronomer can join.
SpaceEU, a European-funded project, has released the digital Engage with Space Toolkit for schools, youth centers, museums, universities, NGOs and informal learning spaces to engage their groups with the wonders of space. The kit includes an exhibit as well as education and outreach activities.
Thank you to Jorge Rivero for sharing this news item.
5) Leiden University Group Releases Rejected Research Proposals
The Astronomy & Society group at Leiden University has shared their rejected research proposals with the wider community so that they and the wider community can create more success.
Thank you to Pedro Russo for sharing this news item.
6) Science Sandbox COVID-19 Microgrants
Science Sandbox is awarding $25,000 microgrants to science engagement-focused nonprofit organisations in the US that face operations and staffing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organisations must have 501(c)(3) status and should be mission-aligned with Science Sandbox. Submissions are due 26 October.
7) African Astronomical Society Panel on the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics
The African Astronomical Society has hosted a panel discussion on the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics to Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel, and Andrea Ghez for their contributions to black hole research.
Dark Matter Day will be held on 31 October. This day is organised to celebrate one of the most mysterious matters in the universe. Our NOC Argentina will also participate in some online events.
Japanese:http://bit.ly/2xlNyCR
Translations are thanks to Akihiko Tomita, through the Astronomy Translation Network.
You can subscribe to the Japanese newsletter through the Japanese Amateur Astronomers Association (http://www.jaaa-astro.jp/jaaa-ml.html) or the Japanese Society for Education and Popularization of Astronomy (http://www.tenkyo.net/).
If you are interested in translating the IAU Outreach Newsletter into your language, please email public@oao.iau.org.
11) Contributions to the IAU Outreach Newsletter—looking forward to hearing from you in 2020
Here at the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, we’re always looking for news about astronomical education and outreach events around the world. Please continue to share your stories with us in 2020! If you are organising large-scale events at a regional or international level, offering astronomy education or communication job positions, have any innovative projects or inspiring stories, looking for professional-amateur collaboration in astronomy, or have created any educational resources, let us know by sending an email to public@oao.iau.org.
You can send us your suggestions until the 4th (for issue #1) and the 17th (for issue #2) day of each month. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
