IYA2009 Partners
Several astronomy, science and educational organizations will be combining to host astronomy events for IYA2009 in Trinidad & Tobago.
CARINA
Founded in 2002, the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy, (CARINA) is an educational and scientific, non-profit organization based in Trinidad dedicated to promoting the growth and development of Astronomy within the Caribbean region by providing the necessary academic leadership and support. CARINA acts to promote and enhance science education through the use of Astronomy, working alongside the community of amateur astronomers to promote and convey the excitement of Astronomy to the general public It provides a framework for the cooperation and exchange of ideas among educators and amateur astronomers and serves as a source of accurate information to the media, governmental and non-governmental organizations on all matters pertaining to astronomy.
CARINA is the IAU-designated Regional Node in Trinidad and Tobago for IYA2009 activities.
Visit CARINA's website here
The Trinidad & Tobago Astronomical Society
The Trinidad & Tobago Astronomical Society (TTAS) is a non-profit organization aiming to increase the knowledge and facilitate the interest of Astronomy & Cosmology throughout Trinidad & Tobago. It is the mission of the Trinidad & Tobago Astronomical Society to promote the science of astronomy in all its aspects through national cooperation. Its individual members are astronomers - both professional and amateur - and astronomy enthusiasts alike from all over Trinidad and Tobago.
Through monthly meetings, special projects and timely publications, TTAS provides a framework through which persons, whether new to or familiar with the field of astronomy, may be guided along a path ultimately leading to a better appreciation, if not sheer love, for the science. Aside from personal efforts,TTAS collaborates with various astronomical organizations in T&T to accomplish their similar aims. The recently formed TTAS Astroclub is a branch of the Society specially geared towards uniting secondary school students in T&T with a passion for Astronomy, and is aimed towards providing the correct environment for their newly found astronomical apetites to grow in the right direction.
TTAS Astro Club
The TTAS AstroClub was officially launched on Saturday 25th October 2008. The purpose of the club is to encourage an interest in astronomy among high school students of Trinidad & Tobago.
The club is open to all students interested in taking part in practical astronomy projects. These include astronomical observations, preparing multi-media presentations, writing articles, and using astronomy software. ThereÊare many fun activities which students devise themselves, and all members are encouraged to take an active part.
Club meetings areÊ held on the first Saturday of each month, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, at the Frank Stockdale building, UWI. While membership in the AstroClub is free, students are encouraged to join the parent Trinidad and Tobago Astronomical Society.
So far we have had two successful meetings and a Christmas party, and our membership is growing rapidly. We hope that students will use the knowledge gained and resources provided to help establish astronomy clubs in their respective schools.
NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) has been engaging the public in the wonders of science for nearly two decades. Starting in 1990, it launched Yapollo, a travelling hands-on science exhibition which popularised scientific investigation, experimentation and observation. The exhibition, the first of its kind in our region, wowed tens of thousands of visitors, both young and old, as it visited malls, auditoriums and various events throughout Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. One of Yapollo's main attractions was the portable Starlab Planetarium which had persons eagerly lining up waiting for their turn to experience the skilfully crafted astronomy show.
The University of the West Indies - Department of Physics
The Department of Physics at the University of the West Indies has an Astronomy program that offers MPhil and PhD research degrees. The areas of research include theoretical astronomy in cosmology,large scale structures and quasi stellar objects. The observational astronomy programme is in conjunction with Tuorla Observatory, University of Turku in Finland for the monitoring of OJ 287. This project was listed as one of the top one hundred science projects for 2008 by Discover magazine, coming in at number 40. The department is also engaged in research in Astrobiology. This is in collaboration with Washington State Univeristy, Villanova Univeristy, University of British Columbia and University of Turku. This project involves studies at the pitch lake and mud volcanoes in Trinidad. This project has been featured in BBC's Science in Action feature and in an upcoming documentary on "Life in the solar system" by Discovery Channel.
The UWI will recognise the IYA by some featured lectures and articles by Astronomers during the year and hosting the International School for Young Astronomers in December 2009 in Trinidad.