IYA 2009: An International Celebration

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a worldwide celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of Galileo's telescope.

Following the opening ceremonies on January 16, 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will partner with national, regional and community organizations from around the world, to share an unprecedented message about astronomy and humanity with the world.

The vision: 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. With this effort, IYA2009 aims to stimulate worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people and education at all levels.

Canada is one of over 130 countries participating in the festivities and through the coordination of volunteers, amateur and professional astronomers, astronomy organizations, science centres universities and educators, the national effort will achieve its goals to offer an engaging astronomy experience to every person in Canada, and will cultivate partnerships that sustain public interest in astronomy beyond IYA 2009.

Twenty-nine chapters of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada along with 48 affiliates of the Fédération des Astronomes Amateurs du Québec and dozens of independant clubs and organizations from across Canada, including Astronomy North, will be participating in this year's astronomical extravaganza.

• Galileoscope is an effort to develop a simple, accessible, easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use telescope that can be distributed by the millions.

• 100 Hours of Astronomy is a 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-globe event that includes live webcasts from research observatories, public observing events and other activities around the world. The event will take place April 2-5 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescope.

• The Cosmic Diary project will show the personal side of astronomy. Astronomy professionals will blog in text and images about their life, families, friends, hobbies and interests, as well as their work, latest research findings and the challenges they face.

• Portal to the Universe will create a new single source of international news and information related to astronomy.

• She Is An Astronomer will promote gender equality in astronomy and science in general through the development of an only forum and database.

• Dark Skies Awareness will shed new light on the ongoing loss of dark night skies and the impact this is having on astronomical research, human health, ecology, safety, security, economics and energy conservation.

• Astronomy and World Heritage: Universal Treasures aims to establish a link between science and culture on the basis of research that acknowledges the cultural and scientific values of properties connected with astronomy.

• The Galileo Teacher Training Program has the goal to make astronomy more accessible to teachers around the world and to create a worldwide network of certified "Galileo Ambassadors" by 2012.

• Universe Awareness is an international program that exposes very young children in under-privileged environments to the scale and beauty of the Universe.

• From Earth to the Universe is a collection of astronomical images that will showcase the most dramatic views of our Universe and endeavours to bring these wonderful images to a wider audience in non-traditional venues through and beyond 2009.

• Developing Astronomy Globally will focus on the development of astronomy in three ways: professionally; publically; and educationally – a cornerstone project that will lay a foundation for astronomy in the future.