SILVER COIN METEORITE INT YEAR ASTRONOMY AUSTRALIA 2009

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Bid with confidence, I am a: 5 DOLLARS SILVER COIN - REAL METEORITE - INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY - AUSTRALIA 2009 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY WITH REAL PIECES OF METEORITE ENCAPSULATED IN THE CENTRE OF THE COIN This masterful creation is flawless in every feature. The reverse symbolically illustrates the connection we all share with our planet through the use of famous landmarks from around the world in the design. You will recognise iconic places such as Mt Fuji, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Opera House, the Italian leaning tower of Pisa etc. Along with four faces looking towards the night sky as they reinforce the IYA message of a global community sharing our universe. The obverse shows the planetary path within our solar system as it circles the sun. If you look closely you can see our tiny moon alongside Planet Earth. We have also included a unique small form effigy of the Queen, which is gaining popularity with collectors.But the real star of this release are the pieces of meteorite encapsulated in the centre of each coin. The meteorite was part of the Campo del Cielo: translated to (field of heaven), a meteorite shower that fell to Earth around 4,000 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Composed mainly of iron, with trace elements of nickel, cobalt and phosphorous, the meteorite is not radioactive but does have an evenly displaced magnetic field, a general characteristic of most meteorite specimens.With certificate included, outlining the authenticity of the meteorite, and crafted in over 50 grams of fine silver this large 50mm coin with low mintage will have a definite impact on your collection. A must for all silver proof coin collectors and those seeking a link to the mysteries of the universe. BACKGROUND AND HISTORY IYA 2009The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) is a year-long celebration of astronomy, taking place in 2009 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope by Galileo Galilei and the publication of Johannes Kepler's Astronomia nova in the 17th century.The Year was declared by the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations. A global scheme, laid out by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), has also been endorsed by UNESCO—the UN body responsible for Educational, Scientific and Cultural matters. The opening ceremony was held in Paris on January 15–16, 2009. IYA2009 is scheduled to include numerous global projects and public events. The IAU also released a book and movie on the history of the telescope for this event. Significance of 1609 In 1609, Galileo Galilei first turned one of his telescopes to the night sky and made astounding discoveries that changed humankind's understanding of our position in the Universe, including mountains and craters on the Moon, a plethora of stars invisible to the naked eye, and moons around Jupiter. In the same year, Johannes Kepler published his work Astronomia nova—in which he described the fundamental laws of planetary motions. Vision of IYA2009 The vision of IYA2009 is to help people rediscover their place in the Universe through the sky, and tby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. IYA2009 activities take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes have been formed in each country to prepare activities for 2009. These nodes established collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators to prepare activities for 2009. More than 140 countries are already involved. To help coordinate this huge global programme and to provide an important resource for the participating countries, the IAU has established a central Secretariat and an IYA2009 website as the principal IYA2009 resource for public, professionals and media alike. Goals of IYA2009The major goals of IYA2009 are to: 1. Increase scientific awareness;2. Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; read more

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