International Year of Astronomy - 2009
400 Years of Celebration.

Next year 2009, the world will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy as it commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s use of an astronomical telescope to study the skies. IYA2009 is an activity for the citizens of Planet Earth. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover".

IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations. The IYA2009 activities will take place at the global and regional levels, and especially at the national and local levels.

The Year 2009 would also be 400 years since Kepler’s publication of Astronomia Nova. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other historic events in science, including Huygen’s 1659 publication of Systema Saturnium. This will be modern astronomy’s quadricentennial, and the 2009 Year of Astronomy will be an international celebration of numerous astronomical and scientific milestones,including celebration of 40 years of the landing of the moon by man. 

The vast majority of IYA2009 activities will take place on several levels  locally, regionally and nationally. Some 70 countries are now participating in international coordination activities and making plans for their own activities in IYA2009.

The vision of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) is to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. All humans should realize the impact of astronomy and basic sciences on our daily lives, and understand better how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society.

The Head Quarters of the IYA2009 is based in Germany and National Node for India is at IUCAA, Pune. We have applied for official permission from the Indian Node of IYA2009 at IUCAA for the use of the IYA2009 Official Logo, the slogans and other relevant information. As and when the permission is received, more information would be put up on this website.

Website Link for IYA2009 Secretariat

http://astronomy2009.org/

Indian Node for IYA2009 Single Point of Contact

http://www.iucaa.ernet.in/~iya09ind/