1. Phones: 952 60 29 36 / 677 720 096 email: info@astromalaga.org info@astromalaga.org Web: www.astromalaga.org Address: C/ República Argentina Nº 9. 29016 Málaga. Members: 257 (January 1, 2004). VENUS TRANSIT: ASTRONOMIC OBSERVATION PROJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF MALAGA (SPAIN)

2. PRESENTATION Founded in 1975 Located in Malaga (south of Spain) It is fifth in the history of Spain First of Andalucía Region At the present time has more than 250 members

3. “HELIES Project – A Secondary School Scientific Experience” focused on the study and observation of the Sun. This project has been financed by the Science and Technology Ministry, as part of the Science and Technology diffusion program in 2002. Around 20 educational centers and over 800 students participated. PREVIOUS “HELIES” PROJECT PRESENTATION

4. Project VENUS TRANSIT: ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION PROJECT IN SECUNDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PROVINCE OF MALAGA

5. “VENUS TRANSIT: ASTRONOMIC OBSERVATION PROJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF MALAGA” INTRODUCTION Scientific experience in which secondary education centres in the province of Malaga participate altogether in the observation of an astronomical event without forgetting its historical background. Besides, the coordinated observation of the same astronomical event from the province of Malaga is a unique experience in history. The main beneficiaries are the Spanish High School students, professors and Secondary Education Centres in the province of Málaga. Collaboration generated between the High School Centres, collaborating entities and the Malaga Astronomy Society, also extending the society to future projects (annular eclipse 2005).

6. Objetives - Goals Foment a greater interest in astronomy and scientific investigation for Secondary School and Professional Training students. Increase the scientific culture in the city population. Awake the curiosity and interest in youngsters for science and technology. Promote a greater interest in students for astronomy. Show Secondary School students the possibility of participating in International Investigation Projects for the student sector. Cooperation in Scientific Investigation assignments with students from other European countries and share results with other work groups Collaborate in a scientific project with students from other teaching centers in the province of Malaga. Evaluate results of a work group in a scientific experiment. Participate in an astronomy and unique historical event.

7. Recent publication in “Tribuna de Astronomía y Universo” Magazine INTRODUCTION Previous work

8. Planning 20 April - 18 May A letter has been sent to all the teaching centres inviting them to participate in the project, so that they can adjust their activities to this transit observation that will take place the 8 June 2004 in the morning. They can fill in the application form by means of our association’s Web-page.

9. Selections of the Secondary Schools in the province of Malaga Planning 19-20 May

10. Planning 21-22 May A Solar-Scope will be sent to those schools which have not instruments for observation. About 20 Solar-scope will be sent.

11. Planning 25-29 May Content: Content: Knowledge of the history of transits, enhancing the work of Spanish scientists in several expeditions Knowledge of the history of transits, enhancing the work of Spanish scientists in several expeditions Distances in the solar system Distances in the solar system Basic Notions on astronomy & instrumentation. Basic Notions on astronomy & instrumentation. Solar observation, precautions & methods. Solar observation, precautions & methods. Methods of transit observation. Time contact measurement. Methods of transit observation. Time contact measurement. Real Practices in solar observation. Different methods. Real Practices in solar observation. Different methods. Astronomy Course The organization of a special course of Astronomy for all those teachers interested in directing the transit observation from their school with the solar- scope equipment or with a telescope, or even with just a binoculars.

12. Planning - 8 Jun Contact time measurement Contact time measurement Solar spots Solar spots Photos and drawings during the transit Photos and drawings during the transit Public observation in the centre of Public observation in the centre of Malaga Malaga Video recording Video recording Live transmission through Internet Real Time Observations Secondary Schools Public Observation

13. Planning MALAGA (Spain) VALLADOLID (Spain) BREST (France) CALCULATIONS OF A.U.

14. Planning 14-18 June http://www.astromalaga.org http://transitovenus.astromalaga.org Our Magazine Publishing results Several National Astronomy Amateur Magazines & Local Media Secondary Educational Centres

15. END