International Year of Astronomy

IYA 1

It is called the International Year of Astronomy because exactly 400 years ago back in 1609 Galileo a famous astronomer and physcist constructed the first complete astronomical telescope. It is called this because we use telescopes all the time in astronomy and the year is 2009! It matches up perfectly.

The sponsers are Thales Alenia Space, Celestron, and History. These are all the global sponsers of the International Year of Astronomy. There are approximatly 130 countries that have participated in this acitivity.

Galilean nights is were people stand on the sidewalk and observe the sun, our moon, and even more celestial marvels with the naked eye. Just like Galileo did.

8 goals of IYA:

Increase scientific awareness.
Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences.
Empower astronomical communities in developing countries.
Support and improve formal and informal science education.
Provide a modern image of science and scientists.
Facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones.
Improve the gender-balanced representation of scientists at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers.
Facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.

It is a worth while project because it would be fun to get together with friends an family. To get to learn new things about astronomy with your own eye and not with technology. It would also be a great exprerience.