IYA2009 in Second Life
Adrienne J Gauthier · ASPC · 2008
The New Media Group is working to create an IYA2009 presence in the 3-dimensional multi-user virtual world called Second Life (SL). Current installations, development plans, and collaboration initiatives will be discussed. The first wave of development will bring real-life (RL) IYA2009 events and exhibits to the residents of Second Life. Informational kiosks with IYA2009 freebie avatar clothing will be placed in a variety of science-related places and other high traffic locations in SL. The IYA 2009 cornerstone project “From Earth to the Universe” is planned to be a portable exhibit in SL that can reside in temporary locations and be unveiled for special events. Interactive exhibits for “400 Years of Astronomy Timeline,” “Galileo’s Telescope,” and “Dark Sky Awareness” will also be under design. Live events such as public lectures, coffee talks, and a web-streamed opening ceremonies SL party are also in the works. Our ultimate plan is to bring together all those interested in brainstorming, creating, and developing content, exhibits, and activities in Second Life for IYA2009. Sharing resources, sponsorship, and land space will help us all succeed in bringing astronomy to the public in 2009 and beyond. Second Life R © is a popular multi-user virtual world where user created content prevails. Your in-world character (called an avatar) travels through the Figure 1. Ourania Fizgig (Adrienne’s avatar) poses with the animated IYA2009 Info Kiosk inspired by the IYA logo and brochure.