The sky is our common and universal heritage, and is an integral part of the surrounding environment perceived by humankind. This heritage is important for the recognition and safeguarding of cultural properties and of cultural or natural landscapes that transcribe the relationship between people and the sky. This approach helps make quality astronomy education inclusive and equitable.
The project is trying to expand the “Heritage of the Sky” into a “project without borders”. When we talk about Humanity’s common past, and try to raise awareness to both the UNESCO’s world heritage sites and the night sky, we are, in fact, taking steps towards connecting to our ancestors and learning of our common celestial origins.
Moreover, a newer and larger version of night sky photography contest will be presented and also world-class online media education campaigns will be offered. In these programmes, we will use the support of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, the International Dark-Sky Association, and UNESCO’s Astronomy and World Heritage Initiative to engage the majority of people from different geographies and cultures.
