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Visions of the Universe
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Galileo Galilei transformed our knowledge of the universe in 1609 when he peered into the cosmos using an astronomical telescope--the first person to do so. An exciting new exhibit opening at the Chillicothe Public Library District on July 3, 2009 celebrates that event and tells the story of how astronomy has evolved over the four hundred years since then. “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery” uses historical drawings and diagrams made by Galileo and other early astronomers, along with dramatic contemporary images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions, to show how our views and understanding of the universe and the objects within it have changed over the centuries.
The traveling exhibit, which is visiting 40 libraries throughout the U.S., is part of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), a global celebration during 2009 of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s achievement. In the U.S., the goal during this special year is to offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in the country (http://astronomy2009.us)
"Visions of the Universe" is presented by the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and the American Library Association, Chicago, through funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
“We are pleased that our library was chosen as a site for this groundbreaking exhibit covering four centuries of astronomy,” said Susan Drissi. “The exploration of space is a topic that fascinates everyone, regardless of their age, and the remarkable images in this exhibit show how far we have come in understanding the universe and our place in it. The images of the rings of Saturn and of stars that have exploded are truly awe-inspiring. We hope the whole community will be able to see the exhibit, participate in some of the programs the library has planned, and help Chillicothe celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.”
“Visions of the Universe” covers a wide range of topics related to the scientific exploration of the universe, from storms on the sun to features on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon, the nature of comets, star birth, and distant galaxies. The colorful exhibit panels feature striking images of planets, stars, comets, nebulae, and galaxies taken by NASA’s powerful astronomical observatories and spacecraft, as well as drawings and diagrams created by early astronomers such as Galileo, Christiaan Huygens, and Charles Messier, which show how the universe, stars, and planets were viewed and understood centuries ago.
NASA has created a special website for the public which highlights activities in the U.S. throughout the International Year of Astronomy: http://astronomy2009.nasa.gov The website describes major IYA events in the U.S., suggests what celestial objects to look for with telescopes, and offers astronomy-related resources and activities for teachers and families.
The Chillicothe Public Library District is sponsoring a number of free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibit. Contact (309) 274-2719, skent@chillicothepubliclibrary.org or visit www.chillicothepubliclibrary.org for more information. “Visions of the Universe” will be on display at the library until September 4, 2009.
