Galileo's Astronomical Ale

Forget Darwin. We have already moved on to Galileo. And this seems to be the best way celebrate 400 years of the use of telescopes (Darwin bicentennial had cakes - but astronomers, it seems, are doing better). From Science (Jan 30):

Brewer Ken Grossman has demonstrated his love for astronomy by helping to finance a community observatory and an outdoor planetarium in his hometown of Chico, California. Earlier this month, the co-founder of the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company extended that love to attendees at the American Astronomical Society meeting by treating them to a special beer marking the International Year of Astronomy.

Branded "Galileo's Astronomical Ale: Theoretically the best beer in the universe," the light-bodied beverage flowed freely at the premiere of 400 Years of the Telescope, a documentary that will air 10 April on PBS. Grossman loaned filmmaker Kris Koenig, a fellow Chico resident, seed money for the film. "It seemed like a cool project," says Grossman (left).

Grossman says the ale may show up at a few more astronomy events this year, but the legal hassles of introducing a small product line will preclude bringing it to market.

Enjoy! And here is a link to the upcoming documentary 400 years of the Telescope and its trailer below (it looks very cool!).