Astronomy, gorillas and plants among 2009's chief highlights
Shobana Kesava, Straits Times 6 Jan 09;
LET us look to the stars and the earth in this international year of astronomy, gorillas and natural fibres.
Science Centre Singapore is taking the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation by Galileo seriously with a full year of planned activities to encourage as many people as possible to view the stars through a telescope.
2009 is marked by the International Astronomical Union, held in connection with the United Nations, which also celebrates the 40th anniversary of man's first landing on the moon.
'We hope to get 100,000 people to look through the telescope over the course of the year,' said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, chief executive of Science Centre Singapore.
A revamped guidebook to the stars and Galilean telescopes at under $100 each will also be on sale in the early part of the year.
Star-gazers are in for a treat on the first afternoon of the lunar new year, with a rare solar eclipse visible in Singapore. Special solar filters will allow people to look at the sun safely.
Endangered species continue to be in the spotlight. After 2008's international year of the amphibian and of the coral reef, the gorilla takes centrestage this year, with the UN Environment Programme leading other world organisations in highlighting this species.
The Jane Goodall Institute in Singapore will join a network of non-governmental organisations to raise awareness about their plight and threats to their habitat. Primates drew global attention after the Spanish government voted last June to give basic human rights to great apes like the gorilla.
Plants have not been forgotten. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN launches the International Year of Natural Fibres in Rome later this month.
The drive supports agricultural industries that employ millions of people in some of the world's poorest countries and help boost their economies.
Fashion shows, conferences, TV documentaries and books are expected to be developed around the world in support of the campaign to promote the industry.
