Purpose and goals

Rationale

This conference aims to bring together the producers of astronomical information (research scientists), public information officers (connected with large observatories and space missions), and mediators (science reporters and writers, staff members from museums, planetariums).

A major theme of CAP2007 will be the preparations for the International Year of Astronomy 2009. Communicating the excitement of astronomy to the public will be a major effort on all those involved in communication of astronomy.

The specific goals are:

• To prepare for International Year of Astronomy 2009.
• To make public astronomical knowledge global and accessible to everyone, adapting communication methods to cross national, political, social and cultural borders and impairment limitations.
• To promote international collaboration.
• To evaluate current tools and methods and prepare for future developments

Key topics:

1. International Year Astronomy 2009 (main theme)
2. Case studies
3. Communicating in the Web 2.0/youtube/myspace/vodcasting mediascape
4. Audiovisual & multimedia communication incl. tools and techniques
5. Social impact and evaluation of astronomy communication
6. Communication catering to special needs