Author: Sanje Fenkart
Affiliation: Institute for Astrophysics, University of Vienna
Country: Austria
Co-Author(s): Martina Koppitz
Affiliation: Institute for Astrophysics, University of Vienna
Country: Austria
Title: Inspiring Stars Exhibition in Vienna
The Universe has no boundaries, so why should we? Taking Inspiring Stars to Austria
In most workplaces Ð office, government position, factory, laboratory Ð the discrepancy between people without and those with any kind of impairment is gaping. According to G20, people with disabilities make up 15% of the world population; although there are compulsory employment quotas for people with disabilities(Ref.1) in order to change inequality on large scale, it requires contributions from all of us. As a society it is important to kindle the awareness and to provide an inclusive environment for everybody.
Astronomy and astrophysics are no exception. No matter if handling a telescope for observations or, while still a student, following mathematical implementations on the blackboard. For blind people this is a huge obstruction and could prevent them from following their interests and dreams. Furthermore, scientific work seems especially unlikely.
The Inspiring Stars Exhibition by the International Astronomical Union makes people see the wonders of the Universe with all their senses, other than only eyes. Experiencing 3D-surface models of planets, galaxies or nebulas and listening to the sound of starlight are only few of the possibilities to feel space. The exhibition cruises around the globe to present and showcase the capabilities of astronomy to the public in a unique and memorable way.
With every new stopover, the variety of the exhibition grows, gaining more and more attention from the public. And even more important, it shares and receives new advice, benefiting from every visitor. These first steps pave the way towards connecting astronomy and its people Ð under one sky.
In June 2019, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna had the honour of hosting the exhibition before becoming permanent at the end of the year. We want to show the impact of the exhibition in Vienna and especially report of the amazing influence it had on the visitors.
References
[1]: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—dgreports/—inst/documents/publication/wcms_646041.pdf
[2]:https://sites.google.com/oao.iau.org/inspiringstars/about