Four hundred years ago, Galileo Galilei made the first astronomical observations using a telescope. Initiated by the International Astronomical Union and endorsed by UNESCO and the US Congress, the International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and involvement of young people, with events at the national, regional, and global levels.
Browse this website to find out how you can join the festivities of IYA2009!
For information about national and international activities: