StarPals "Tour of the Universe by Children of the World"

The StarPals "Tour of the Universe by Children of the World" will be a beautiful and inspirational compilation of children's astrophotography, cosmic art, poetry, and photographs and/or mini video clips of children enjoying astronomy--all set to music with part of the lyrics sung in the childrens' own voices and native languages.

StarPals International Young Astronomers' Network is a non-profit project with the goal of providing opportunities for international collaboration between students of all ages within space science education and research.

From now until December 31, 2009, Astronomy.FM will host a web platform where interested kids 16 and under, parents and teachers can sign up for free points to use Global-Rent-A-Scope (GRAS) robotic astrophotography telescopes.  Astronomy.FM also is providing a short, easy "how-to" imaging tutorial to help young astroimagers understand how to use the equipment and post their pictures.
 

Examples of images taken with the GRAS Telescopes

Children can use the equipment to take a picture of a space object. When they have their finished images, young astroimagers can upload their pictures to the StarPals "Tour of the Universe by Children of the World" website.  Kids are also being encouraged to submit their images to Astronomy.FM's AAPOD (Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day).

By fostering an interest in the cosmos, StarPals strives to encourage children's creativity, as well as their knowledge of and interest in science. At no cost, children can become members of the family-friendly StarPals website and share their creative works inspired by the cosmos - images, poetry, fiction, artwork, and music - with other kids from around the world.