iau1507 — Press Release

Hawai‘i Night Sky (artist's impression)
23 July 2015, Paris
IAU’s 2015 General Assembly Hosts Public Astronomy Events in Hawai‘i

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) will host its triennial 2015 General Assembly from 3–14 August. In addition to welcoming over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries, the conference will also offer several events for the local community, free and open to the public.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) will host its 2015 General Assembly from 3–14 August at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The triennial conference will welcome over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries around the globe to the General Assembly. The assembly marks the first time the event will be held in the state of Hawai‘i, and is hosted by the American Astronomical Society, who chose to propose Hawai‘i as the location in 2009.

General Assembly participants will address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in a number of specialised areas. As a result of the event, the IAU expects an exciting exchange of scientific knowledge, international collaboration, as well as important advancements for the astronomical community and beyond.

The IAU is delighted to bring our triennial General Assembly to the state of Hawai‘i, a place that is truly special in the astronomical community as one of the foremost sites for astronomical research in the world,” said Thierry Montmerle, General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union. “We look forward to introducing thousands of astronomers to these beautiful islands and their cultural traditions while showcasing Hawai‘i as a key location for world-class science.

The 2015 IAU XXIX General Assembly is expected to be one of the largest professional astronomy conference in the IAU’s history. It will be the first General Assembly to be held in the United States since 1988.

In addition to welcoming over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries, the conference will also offer several events for the local community, free and open to the public. Highlights include:

  • Stargazing Parties
    Monday, 3 August, and Thursday, 13 August at sundown
    Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
    Families and friends are invited to come together and enjoy an evening beneath the stars. For the ultimate stargazing experience, telescopes and astronomy experts will serve as guides to the night sky.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 10 000 professional astronomers from almost 100 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Links

Contacts

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 320 06 761
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org

Andrea Lum
Bennet Group
Cell: +1 808 286 9569
Email: andrea@bennetgroup.com

Images

Hawai‘i Night Sky (artist's impression)
Ala Moana Beach Park map