The Sky is for Everyone - Outreach and Educaction with the Virtual Observatory

Abstract

The Virtual Observatory (VO) is an international attempt to collect astronomical data (images, simulation, mission-logs, etc), organize it and develop tools that let astronomers access this huge amount of information. The VO not only simplifies the work of professional astronomers, it is also a valuable tool for education and public outreach. For teachers and astronomers who actively promote astronomy to the public the VO is an great opportunity to access real astronomical data, use them and have a taste of the workaday life of astronomers.