The Star Park and the International Year of Astronomy - 2009 (IYA09)

The idea of establishing a Star Park in Ridgefield had been suggested but lay dormant in town for several years but like so many good ideas we never quite got around to it. Then along came the declaration of this international effort to turn more attention and more eyes on the sky this coming calendar year. This year also celebrates among other things, the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope to study the sky.

The IYA09 motto is 'The Universe - yours to discover'. One of the key goals defined for this world-wide program is to "Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences." How better to do this here in Ridgefield then to provide a safe, convenient venue like the Park for observing experiences?

With this thought in mind, Dr Heidi Hammel, a Ridgefield resident and professional astronomer has incorporated the Star Park program into the overall plan for Ridgefield participation in IYA09. The entire plan for Ridgefield's participation in these international activities is a comprehensive blending of astronomy science oriented activities with the esthetic aspects of cosmology and astronomy reflected through literature, music and art