Shopping Centers Across the U.S. to Experience “The World At Night”

August 17, 2009 An exhibit of stunning photographs of the night sky as viewed over many of the most beautiful natural, historic and cultural landmarks in the world is being shown at 24 shopping centers across the United States from now through November 8. Known as “The World At Night,” the exhibit is a special project of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009), an ongoing global celebration of the science of astronomy and its contributions to society over the 400 years since Galileo’s first use of the telescope. Among the well-known sites featured in “The World at Night” (TWAN) are Yellowstone National Park in the United States, the Parthenon in Greece, and magnificent monuments across Asia, all set against the grandeur of the starry sky.  Supported by Developers Diversified Realty for the properties it manages, this exhibition is the largest  showing of TWAN mounted in the United States during IYA2009, according to the organizers.  More than 30 countries have hosted TWAN exhibits this year. “We have found that TWAN images not only capture the public’s imagination, but also bring educational value,” says Project Director Babak Tafreshi.  Each of the shopping centers hosting a TWAN exhibit will add localized educational elements such as contests, family workshops in astronomy, “Dancing Under the Stars” or “Movies Under the Stars,” and the participation of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts working toward their astronomy merit badges. TWAN is collaborating with a variety of venues around the world to hold major exhibitions and educational events during IYA2009 and beyond.  These exhibitions are meant to enhance the offerings of any museum or public space with eye-catching photographs produced by the TWAN team of specialized photographers.  The exhibitions are designed to be shown either indoors or outdoors, and can be organized either as standalone exhibits or in conjunction with other IYA2009 exhibits or cultural or educational activities. For location information and sample images, go to http://astronomy2009.us/newscenter/twan-exhibitions/.