From the Starry Sky to the Calendar
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Why does a year have 365 days? Why are months different lengths? And how closely is our understanding of time connected to astronomical observation? These are the questions at the heart of the lecture "The Calendar: Astronomical and Historical", taking place on Monday, 13 April at 6 pm at the South Tyrol Museum of Nature in Bolzano.
The speaker is Maureen Hintz, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Utah Valley University and an internationally active science communicator. In her English-language lecture, she will take the audience on a journey through the foundations of our calendar system: from the astronomical phenomena that define days, months and years, to the historical development of timekeeping – from its Sumerian origins to the present day. She will also give special attention to regional developments in the southeastern United States.
The event takes place as part of the international exchange programme "Week in Italy" by the International Planetarium Society (IPS), the world's largest professional association for planetariums and astronomical education. The programme connects experts from science, education and public outreach, with the aim of fostering innovative approaches to science communication and strengthening international exchange.
This year's edition marks the first time South Tyrol has joined the programme. The South Tyrol Planetarium, run by the South Tyrol Museum of Nature, is now part of the global network of planetariums. Maureen Hintz's visit brings international perspectives directly to Bolzano and enables an open exchange between specialists and a general audience.
Admission is free.
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