The World At Night: A New International Year of Astronomy 2009 Project

• Main Authors: Simmons, M., Tafreshi, B. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Astronomical Union 2008-02-01
• Series: Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal
• Subjects: International Year of Astronomy 2009; Astrophotography; Photo Exhibition; Dark Skies Awareness; UNESCO World Heritage
• Online Access: http://www.capjournal.org/issues/02/02_17.php

The World At Night (TWAN) is a new programme founded in 2007 with the goal of creating a collection of stunning photographs of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against the night-time backdrop of stars, planets, and celestial events. The eternally peaceful sky looks the same above all the symbols of different nations and regions, a testament to the truly unified nature of Earth as a planet rather than an amalgam of human-designated territories. Those involved in global programmes learn to see humanity as a family living together on a single planet amidst the vast ocean of our Universe. This global perspective motivates us to work for a better, more peaceful planet for all the world’s inhabitants. TWAN is an innovative approach to expanding this global perspective. TWAN’s primary goal is to present the public with a new and enlightening view of the wonders of our planet by revealing the unified nature of Earth’s people as one family and our world as a living planet that we must all care for together.