International Year of Astronomy 2009

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its  contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in  general, with a particular slant towards young people. IYA2009 will mark the monumental leap forward that followed Galileo Galilei’s first use of the telescope for astronomical observations, and portray astronomy as a peaceful global scientific endeavour that unites astronomers in an international, multicultural family of scientists working together to find answers to some of the most fundamental questions that humankind has ever asked.

IYA2009 is, first and foremost, an activity for the citizens of Planet Earth. It aims to convey the excitement of  personal discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in it and the value of the scientific culture.