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Paper: The International Year of Astronomy 2009: The Global Programme
Volume: 400, Preparing for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy: A Hands-on Symposium
Page: 3
Authors: Russo, P.; Christensen, L.L.; Barrosa, M.
Abstract: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has launched 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) under the theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover.” IYA2009 marks the four hundredth anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first astronomical observation through a telescope. It will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contribution to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and the involvement of young people, with events at national, regional, and global levels throughout the whole of 2009. IYA2009 has been endorsed by UNESCO and the UN General Assembly. As of today, the International Year of Astronomy 2009 is supported by 118 National Nodes, 21 Organisational nodes, 11 IYA2009 Special Task Groups, 17 Organisational Associates, 11 Global Cornerstone projects. And two special projects the IYA2009 Global Cornerstone projects are global programmes of activities centred on a specific theme and represent the means to achieve the IYA2009’s main goals; whether it is the support and promotion of women in astronomy, the preservation of dark-sky sites around the world or educating and explaining the workings of the universe to millions, the Cornerstones will be the key facets of the success of the IYA2009. The authors will present a snapshot of the current global status of the IYA2009 programme.
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