IHY Overview

Abstract

The International Heliophysical Year began as a vague concept in late 1999. Over the next few years a series of grassroots community workshops were held, and the IHY began to take shape. In these workshops the concept of Universal Processes was born, and the definition of this new word “heliophysics,” coined to imply a parallelism with geophysics, began to take shape. Also four main thrusts of scientific research, observatory development, history, and outreach were articulated.

“Space is a part of the world’s cultural heritage. It has inspired generations of artists, poets, scientists and musicians. Throughout history, societies have admired and searched for meaning in the same night sky.” “Indeed, space exploration can help bring cultures together. Manned space missions today are rarely top-secret national projects. Much more common are international crews, with members from a variety of backgrounds. Crews live together in cramped and challenging conditions for months, sharing experiences, customs and, above all, the enthusiasm for space that brought them together in the first place. Their missions capture the imaginations not only of their native lands, but of people around the world.” “Space is also helping us to address some of today’s most urgent problems. Space technology has produced tools that are transforming weather forecasting, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, education, medicine, agriculture and a wide range of other activities. And, of course, a fascination with space leads many young people to pursue careers in science and technology, helping developing countries in particular to build up their human resources, improve their technological base and enhance their prospects for development.” —U.N. Secretary—General Kofi Annan, on the occasion of World Space Week, 2001