Ham radio enthusiasts across Canada will be able to commemorate the International Year of Astronomy with a special callsign prefix.

Starting in January and ending February 28th 2009, Industry Canada has given permission for all Canadian ham radio operators to substitute their ham radio callsign prefix's with CF, CG, CH, and CI The rest of their radio callsign remains the same.  Hams are located throughout the world and this initiative will prompt other hams around the world to ask what the new callsign is all about. The resulting conversations on the airwaves will get the word out about the International Year of Astronomy on a global scale. It is hoped that other amateur radio enthusiasts in other countries may do the same.

For further information visit www.hamiya2009.info

Malcolm Scrimger, VE7DAO