For many of us in the northern hemisphere, like Japan where the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO) is located, it is not summertime. With this hot weather, we'd like to take a moment to remind everyone to take a drink of water, if this is possible for you, and precautions if you are in an area with extreme weather.
This issue of the IAU Astronomy Outreach Newsletter contains many outreach-related updates from the IAU including a call to alumni of the International School for Young Astronomers and recent recipients of a PhD. It’s also the last issue before we begin reviewing applications for the International Outreach Officer position on 15 July, so please apply or forward the application notice to people who may be interested in joining the IAU OAO office.
We also share some major updates from the IAU National Outreach Coordinators in Mozambique and Togo. If you are able, we hope you will join these major events for the astronomy outreach communities in these countries.
Lastly, regarding high temperatures, we’ve also included information from Astronomers for Planet Earth about their open letter to astronomy institutions and groups regarding astronomy’s role in mitigating climate change. In line with awareness about Earth, information about the International Day-Sky Association 2021 Awards is also in this issue. We hope you will share these items with anyone who is interested in these topics.
Wishing you the clearest skies and good health! Izumi Hansen, on behalf of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Team
1) Apply for International Outreach Officer with the IAU OAO
There are a few weeks left to submit an application for the International Outreach Officer (IOO) position in the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO). The call is open to anyone in the world. English is required, and Japanese is advantageous. The selection process will begin after 15 July 2021.
2) International School for Young Astronomers Alumni Survey
Alumnus of the IAU International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) from 1967-2014 are being asked to send in a feedback report on their experience in ISYA to the IAU Office for Young Astronomers (IAU OYA) before the end of June 2021.
3) Submit for the International Astronomical Union PhD Prize
Recent receivers of PhDs can submit to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) PhD Prize. The award recognises outstanding scientific achievement in astrophysics around the world through each IAU Division, including Division C on outreach, education or heritage. PhDs must have been awarded since 16 December 2020 to be considered for the next PhD Prize.
4) NOC News: "Les journées de découverte de l'astronomie au Togo"
Doh Koffi Addor, the IAU National Outreach Coordinator for Togo, invites the public to "Les journées de découverte de l'astronomie au Togo" ("Astronomy Discovery Days in Togo") online conference organised by the Togolese Astronomy Association (ATA). The event will take place from 22-23 July 2021 in French. Registration is required but free.
5) NOC News: Opening of the Office of Dissemination, Education, and Research in Astronomy in Mozambique
IAU National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) Mozambique Claudio Paulo has gathered a new NOC team and opened the Office of Dissemination, Education, and Research in Astronomy in Mozambique (Escritório de Divulgação, Educação e Pesquisa em Astronomia, em Moçambique) at the Eduardo Mondlane University. Claudio has furnished the office with computers, telescopes and other resources to improve astronomy outreach with the public in the country. The team inaugurated the office by hosting a public outreach event for Asteroid Day.
6) IAU OAO Collaborator Recognised for Citizen Science Project
Kumiko Usuda-Sato, NAOJ Collaborator with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO), with her Subaru Telescope colleagues at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been awarded a 2021 Commentation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. The commendation recognises their work creating the “GALAXY CRUISE'' citizen science project.
Astronomers for Planet Earth have penned an open letter calling on astronomical institutions worldwide to set an example of mitigating the climate crisis. Astronomers as well as educators and students in astronomy are invited to sign the letter.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has opened its call for nominations for the 2021 Dark Sky Awards. These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups committed to the IDA mission to protect the night from light pollution. Nominations are accepted through 20 July 2021.
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 Office for Astronomy Outreach Newsletter into your language, please email public@oao.iau.org.
11) Contribute to the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Newsletter
We’re always looking to include news about astronomy outreach from around the world in the next newsletter from the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach. If you have an astronomical event, job, opportunity, educational resource, or anything else that would be of interest to the astronomy outreach community, send us an email at public@oao.iau.org with more information.
You can send us your suggestions through the 4th for issue #1 and the 17th for issue #2 of each month. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
