It is only a few month before the yearlong centennial celebration of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will take place. As a big kick off event, the global project 100 Hours of Astronomy is organised on 10-13 January 2019. Everyone around the globe can participate in this joint effort to bring astronomy to the general public. 

 

The 100 Hours of Astronomy event is a celebration composed of a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public. A dedicated website has now been launched to follow the event’s progress and to highlight the variety of activities taking part in the 100 Hours of Astronomy around the world.

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The event will take place over four days and nights, from 10-13 January 2019. Amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts and the general public are all invited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for space by taking part in a scheduled activity or to organise one their own as part of this global project. 

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Hundreds of local events are being planned by science facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including telescope observing sessions, exhibitions, lectures, art projects, classroom projects, field trips, special shows and more. In many countries there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers, experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture. The sky’s the limit for the possibility of events that can be organised as part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy celebrations. Together we will bring fresh audiences to astronomy and perhaps inspire young and budding scientists to pursue a career in astronomy.

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To keep track of developments and to promote the various events taking place worldwide, events are registered online. Anyone can set up an event, whether it is screening astronomy videos for a few hours on a single day or a 100-hour marathon event; all activities are welcomed for registration to be included in the official 100 Hours of Astronomy and IAU100 calendar. All events must respect the general goals of the IAU100 initiative in promoting the key role of astronomy for development, education, outreach and diplomacy. Activities are also strongly encouraged to consider matters of inclusion, diversity and equity in their organising efforts.