New in the NASA Technical Report Server:

Sep 25, 2008

International Year of Astronomy 2009


2009 will be the International Year of Astronomy! Initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO, the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science with activities taking place at the global and regional levels, and especially at the national and local levels. National Nodes in each country have been formed to prepare activities for 2009. Organizational Nodes have been established as well. These Nodes establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centers, educators, and science communicators.

*Image and info courtesy of IYA2009; visit the website to view the IYA2009 trailer, find National Nodes, and more.