The Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics , the Norwegian Astronomical Society and Nysgjerrigper invite you to a historical occasion on June 8 2004:

"ÅRETS NYSGJERRIGPER" IN THE FROGNER PARK DURING THE TRANSIT OF VENUS

by Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard

If you are either interested in astronomy or curious about who'll receive the title "Årets Nysgjerrigper" (or both), mark Tuesday June 8 in your calendar! As Venus slowly moves across the Solar disc, the most curious scientists of Norway's elementary schools will be announced.

The Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, the Norwegian Astronomical Society and Nysgjerrigper wish to celebrate that historical event, the Transit of Venus, with a grand venue in the Frogner park in Oslo. In the name of wondering, curiosity and research, we make a joint effort and invite you to a festival on Tuesday June 8!

Follow the Transit of Venus with eclipse spectacles, special telescopes or on a screen of fourty square meters that we'll erect in the park. Not even foul weather could stop this event. We have back-up in the form of image broadcasts from several places in Norway.

There will be participants from astronomy, natural sciences and technology in the park during the celebration of the rarest and most distinct phenomenon of the heavens. There will be activities, information and loads of fun for everyone.

THE TRANSIT OF VENUS

Transits of Venus are the most distinct and important heavenly phenomenons humans could experience. This year's Transit will be only the fifth one ever observed. As the previous one took place in 1882, no person alive today has ever seen a Transit of Venus!

The last time this phenomenon was visible from Norway was in 1769. Scientific expeditions traversed the globe to ascertain the distances in space. On their way, they stumbled upon both Australia and New Zealand as well as the distances i our own Solar System. At this day and age we know these distances well, but this time we can use the Transit of Venus to find life on distant planets!

This Spring, pupils and others in both our country and the rest of Europe, Africa and Asia can take the opportunity themselves to measure the distances to the Sun and to Venus. We are not likely to get another such chance during our lifetime! Information and how to sign up is available at www.astronomy.no.

"ÅRETS NYSGJERRIGPER" 2004

The contest of "Årets Nysgjerrigper" (most curious person of the year) is an annual, national contest in which groups of pupils, or whole classes, participate with project assignments of a scientific nature. The purpose is to encourage children and youths to find answers to their own questions through project work, where a systematic approach and use of several subjects is required. The deadline for submitting contributions is May 1.

All children and youths from the first to the seventh grade may participate. The assignment should culminate in a written report, so that the jury may see how the work has been carried out. The jury consists of researchers, conveyors of research and pedagogues from the whole country. The Knowledge Center Network will be hosting the regional jury meetings.

The winners will get to spend three experience-rich dream days in Oslo in addition to honour and glory during the awards ceremony. Four runners-up will receive monetary prizes, and all will receive feedback from the jury, a diploma and a prize. More information about "Årets Nysgjerrigper" is available at www.nysgjerrigper.no.

"Nysgjerrigper" is a project by the Research Council of Norway for pupils and teachers in the elementary school. In addition to the contest of "Årets Nysgjerrigper", the project contains the Nysgjerrigper magazine, which has close to 80.000 readers, councelling in scientific methods for teachers, and the web site www.nysgjerrigper.no, which conveys research to children and youths.

	Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo
	Norwegian Astronomical Society
	Nysgjerrigper

MORE INFORMATION, IMAGES AND PRESS CONTACS

	More information on Nysgjerrigper and the Transit of Venus
	More information on the Transit of Venus and the venue in the Frogner park . Images and illustrations are also available on these sites.

For more info on Nysgjerrigper, contact:

Marianne Løken
Project manager/editor Nysgjerrigper

Norges forskningsråd
Nysgjerrigper
Pb. 2700 St.Hanshaugen
0131 Oslo

Telephone: 22 03 70 00  (reception desk)
         22 03 73 53  (direct)

E-mail: mlo@forskningsradet.no

For more info on the Transit of Venus and the venue in the Frogner park, click here .