A Message at Einstein’s Centenary in 2015

Over the past 25 years, in Space Research Today (SRT), the information bulletin of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), we have reported on the Basic Space Science Initiative (BSSI) of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). This initiative has three pillars: research, education, and applications of fundamental knowledge for the benefit of humankind. The research part has been exercised through annual United Nations workshops, hosted and supported by member states and their respective space agencies. The education part has been exercised through UN-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education. The time range of this initiative extended from 1990 to 2015, with most recent activities hosted by Austria and Japan.

Now, just in time for the centennial of Einstein's general theory of relativity during the International Year of Light 2015, we are pleased to have a role in introducing a new resource to the astronomical community: I, Humanity, the latest book by astronomer/educator Jeffrey Bennett (Big Kid Science), to be released in November 2015 but already available for individual distribution. The beautifully illustrated, 32-page book tells the story of how humanity has gone from ancient conceptions of a small, flat Earth to our modern understanding that we live on one planet, orbiting one star, in a vast and amazing universe. The story is told in a way that will make every child of every culture feel that they are a part of this fantastic journey of discovery through history. In this sense, the book summarizes what the UN initiative has sought to achieve over a quarter century, building upon past dissemination efforts that have included thousands of ESA/NASA Hubble Space Telescope DVDs and comprehensive in-depth curricula for space-science and technology education.

Bennett will make available a limited number of free copies of this book through the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. In addition, the book is scheduled to be launched in December to the International Space Station, where it will be read aloud by astronauts for the Story Time from Space program, with the video reading posted freely on the Web for educational use anywhere in the world. The book is also available in Spanish (both print and e-book) and Japanese (e-book only). Bennett also invites translations into other languages, as he can offer low-cost book production and donation of copies for educational use; contact him directly if you are interested in this possibility.

The author acknowledges assistance from Werner R. Balogh (UN Office for Outer Space Affairs) and Jeffrey Bennett (Big Kid Science).