International Year of Astronomy 2009, United States Node

Star Cluster NGC 290
European Space Agency & NASA

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.

Aug 17th, 2009

Lunar Star Party in New York City

On August 1st, a Lunar Star Party was held at the top of the hill atInwood Hill Park in New York City, celebrating NASA’s Lunar CraterObservation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) missions. Jason Kendall organized the event and several other amateur astronomers were on hand with telescopes, including a Galileoscope. About sixty people had a clear view of the moon and some great discussion about the LCROSS mission, and later viewing of Jupiter. Click here to read more. If you would like to plan a similar star party, find resources at How to Host an IYA Event.