A four-day event designed to bring astronomy to the public around the world. Whether it’s a few hours on one day or a 100-hour marathon event, how groups choose to participate is up to them. One of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. Plans should fit the resources and enthusiasm that’s available and typically range from telescope viewing get-togethers, live science centers, research observatory webcasts and sidewalk astronomy events. All activities and events during 100HA will bring astronomy to a new audience.

100 Hours of Astronomy will take place from 2-5 April when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous, good phases for early evening observing. Saturn will be the other highlight of early evening observing events. While groups worldwide will be planning their own events, 100 Hours of Astronomy has its own global events that organizations worldwide will take part in:

• Opening Event: A VIP event at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will feature one of Galileo’s telescopes.
• Live Science Centres Webcast:  Select science centres will participate in a live webcast featuring discussions on current topics in astronomy on 2 April. Live observations will be made by visitors to select science centres using telescopes operated remotely over the Internet.
• Live 24-hour Research Observatory Webcast:  Astronomers at professional research observatories around the world will take viewers inside their telescope domes and control rooms during a live 24-hour webcast on 3 April.
• 24-hour Global Star Party: For 24 hours on 4 April, telescopes (including solar telescopes) will be made available for public viewing by astronomy clubs and observing groups free of charge.

Project owners + coordinators:
Jennie McCormick
Mike Simmons, sponsorship opportunities