International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) 2009

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The International Astronomical Union and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters presents:

The 31st International School for Young

Astronomers - ISYA 2009

7-18 December 2009

University of the West Indies – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Introduction:

The 31st IAU International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) will be held in Trinidad & Tobago at the University of the West Indies from 7-18 December, 2009. The school is co-organized by the University of the West Indies (St Augustine campus, Trinidad) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and is supported by the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Literature (NASL) and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in Trinidad.

Venue:

The University of the West Indies, Trinidad at the St Augustine campus.

Objectives:

The objectives of the School are

To make Astronomy as a discipline more visible to our own University and decision makers in the region.
To put Astronomy on a growth path in the region and enhance support for it.
Encourage students who have a passion for astronomy but see it as a non viable career in the Caribbean with interactions with professional astronomers and regional students.
Increase our collaborations and connections with other professional astronomers and build a network with the participants from the region.
Show that Astronomy is really a culmination of all other basic sciences and Mathematics and thus its relevance in underserved regions like the Caribbean.
To show that skills acquired for Astronomy are applicable in other fields – with emphasis on computational Astronomy.
To enhance research using the local astronomy resources in the region.
Afford our regional students exposure to training not available locally.

Area of Concentration:

Planetary and Stellar Astrophysics.

Language:

The language of the School will be English.

Course Structure & Lecturers:

Planetary astrophysics: D. Schulze-Makuch (USA)
(Eclipsing) Binary stars, and exoplanet detection: E. Guinan (USA)
Stellar evolution and sessions for secondary school teachers and the general public: J-P De Greve (Belgium)
Extrasolar planets, planetary & atmospheric science, astrobiology: G. Tinetti (UK)
Data reduction, queries of databases and related practical activities: R. Barba (Chile)
Stellar atmosphere (radiative transfer), stellar fundamental parameters, sessions for secondary school teachers: M. Gerbaldi (France)

General Information:

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American country of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. The country covers an area of 5,128 square kilometers (1,979 sq mi) and consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago.Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main islands with a population of about 1.3 Million people; Tobago is much smaller, comprising about 6% of the total area and 4% of the population.Unlike most of the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago's economy is primarily industrial-based, with an emphasis on petroleum and petrochemicals. Tobago is often referred to as "the jewel of the Caribbean”.

Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its Carnival and is the birthplace of steelpan, calypso, soca, and limbo. Trinidad is rich in eco tourism and is a world famous place for birdwatchers.

There are two main seasons – the rainy and dry season. The rainy season extends from July to December and the dry season is from January to June. Daytime temperatures are typically around 33 Deg celsius all year long. It is a nation of sun, sand and fun loving people with a stunning 90% of skies overhead visible all year long.

The University of the West Indies is a premier regional University with campuses in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados. In 2008 it celebrated its 60th Anniversary as a University. Astronomy has had a presence on the campuses in Jamaica and Trinidad for several decades. The St Augustine campus has a student population of around 13,000.

Cultural Excursions

A visit to the mud volcanoes and the pitch lake in connection with Astrobiology research
A star party night to be hosted by the Astronomical Society and CARINA at a dark remote site – overnight camping possible.
A sun and sand – day at the beaches
Shopping day
A social dinner hosted by the local Astronomical Society and campus officials.

Internet Services:

Internet services are available at the University of the West Indies.

Financial Supports:

Accommodation for all participants will be provided by the University of the West Indies at a nearby picturesque Mount St Benedict on a mountainside 10 minutes from the campus. Travel grants are also available. Please fill in the information on the application form.Those interested are encouraged to apply.

Application Forms:

Application forms are available on this site or from persons listed below. Applications should list the achieved level of studies in Physics and Astronomy, and any topics of special interest. Two letters of recommendation in English are required, evaluating academic standing and proficiency in English.

Applications and letters of recommendation should arrive by August 20th, 2009.

Download the application form here, and send it by e-mail, or fax, to both of the addresses below:

Prof Dr. Jean-Pierre De Greve (Chairperson)

Brussels University, Belgium Deparment de Physique

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Bruxelles,

e-mail: Jpdgreve@vub.ac.be

Dr. Shirin Haque (Co-chair)

Department of Physics

University of the West Indies

St Augustine

Trinidad, West Indies

Tel: 1-868-662-2002 ext 2051