Universe - Yours to Discover
26 January 2009 |
The UN declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), honouring the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first astronomical observations with a telescope. It was the first time in human history that the heavens were scrutinised with eyes armed with an optical instrument; a moment which is rightly considered as the beginning of modern astronomy.
What led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to propose the IYA to the UN? There is the natural need to celebrate astronomy and its achievements over the centuries. But this is not the only goal. In fact, the astronomers are much more ambitious. They chose the IYA motto accordingly, “Universe - Yours to Discover,” wanting to stimulate every and each individual living on this planet to gaze at the stars at least once during 2009, and to think about our place in the Universe. The astronomers wish to share with all fellow Earthlings the sense of awe inspired by the simple exercise of gazing at the heavens. They believe that a moment’s contemplation can lead people to an understanding of how magnificent our Universe is and how petty are our earthly squabbles.
I was privileged to be one of the three representatives of the Vatican, with Fr. Jose Funes SJ (ARG) and Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ (MAR), at the IYA opening ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, together with 800 astronomers from 140 countries. Excellent scientific talks, pleasant meetings with old and new friends and colleagues: all of this was very nice. But the one thing which impressed me the most was the conviction with which many of the speakers subscribed to the ambitious goal of the IYA. Would it not be marvellous if the message of the IYA reached as many people as possible, and they did indulge in the proposed spiritual exercise of contemplating our place in the Universe?
The young manager of the Southern African Large Telescope, Kevin Govender, tells politicians, “If tensions in troubled areas risk escalating into violence, do not send in the troops; send in astronomers.” His conviction is credible because he himself grew up in an underprivileged situation.
The Vatican and its observatory will do its share, participating in many of the projects under IYA, and there will also be some local initiatives. An exhibition on Astronomy will be installed at the Vatican Museum, the Pontifical Academy of Science together with the Vatican Observatory will organise a conference on Astrobiology, the Vatican publishing house will publish a book on Astronomy at the Vatican… The Holy Father was one of the first Heads of State to hail IYA (already on the 21 December 2008, and then on 6 January 2009), bringing it to the attention of millions of Catholics.
I wish you a happy new year of astronomy. The Universe is yours to discover. Clear skies!
Fr. Pavel Gabor SJ (BOH)