International Year of Astronomy 2009, United States Node

Hubble Illuminates Cluster of Diverse Galaxies
NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Welcome To IYA

In the year 2009, the world celebrated the International Year of Astronomy as it commemorated the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope to study the skies, and Kepler's publication of Astronomia Nova. 2009 was also the anniversary of many other historic events in science, including Huygen's 1659 publication of Systema Saturnium. This is modern astronomy's quadricentennial, and the 2009 Year of Astronomy is be an international celebration of numerous astronomical and scientific milestones. Events are still being planned, and you are invited to tell us how you want to celebrate. This page is a product of the U.S. 2009 IYA team, and we want to help you make 2009 a year long celebration to remember.

Spread the word: the Universe is yours to discover. Celebrate IYA 2009.

Many International Year of Astronomy Programs Continuing

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is closing with a full moon, a "Blue Moon" that seems a fitting conclusion to such an event-filled year.

We would like to thank everyone for the many hours of dedicated volunteer time that went into making IYA2009 such a huge success! Although IYA2009 is coming to an end, many programs and events will be continuing. Please download a listing of the Continuing Programs as well as a Calendar of Astronomy Events that are coming up in 2010 and beyond.

Jan 22nd, 2009

Welcome to week 3!

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already in week three of the IYA2009, and oh what a wild few weeks it’s been! On the heels of our US opening ceremony in Long Beach, California, the International festivities were launched on January 16th in Paris, France. Among those there from the US were Doug Isbell (our Single Point of Contact) and Steve Pompea (chair of Galileoscope and US Program Director – pictured at right with a Galileoscope). See this NewsCenter article to get the full scoop! Also check out all these other great IYA links:

EPO Chronicles, a web comic from the folks at the NASA EPO team at Sonoma State. Check out all the episodes here.
Go to the Astronomy 2009 Second Life Island via this SLURL
Check out the images selected for From Earth to the Universe

And don’t forget to follow our twitter.

Jan 8th, 2009

IYA2009 on the Jeopardy Game Show

On Jan 8, 2009 the International Year of Astronomy was a question on the popular Jeopardy game show. The category was “This Just In” and it was a $400 question: “Calling all stargazers: 2009 is the International Year of this science?” Answer: “Astronomy” (of course!) Check it out here.

Past News

Jan 6th, 2009

Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Dark Jelly Beans?

After spending a few hours in the AAS Poster/Exhibitor Hall, you can get that glazed-over, zombie feeling that comes when you’re overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the sights and sounds around you. At that point, it takes something really unusual to get your attention. This picture did it for me–the cover of a beautiful [...]

Jan 4th, 2009

The Colorful Long Beach Convention Center

Just about ready to join the fray in the registration lines. Thought I’d post a picture of the beautiful convention center where most of the activities will take place. I’ll post a picture of the “Rock Bottom” bar later…

Thanks to Nancy Atkinson for “tech support” on this picture! [...]

Jan 4th, 2009

Get in the Zone – Astrozone!

Here at the AAS winter meeting, part of the “mission” is to bring science to the public. So, on Saturday, before the meeting actually got underway, a small group of intrepid scientists and educators gathered in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency to do a little “public-science interface.” Tables were set up to display information [...]

Jan 2nd, 2009

Jumping into 2009!

With the striking of midnight around the world, the International Year of Astronomy will begin in earnest! In this quick list of links we invite you to learn more, join in, and share with others. Be apart of IYA today!

Attend: The US Opening Ceremonies in Long Beach and around the Country
Watch: Tucson’s KVOA Channel 4 [...]

Jan 1st, 2009

, Bulgaria

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, National Astronomical Observatory, Astronomical Observatory of Sofia University, and 12 People?s Astronomical Observatories and/or Planetariums
2009-01-01 – 2009-06-01