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.

Aug 23rd, 2009

IAU Resolution B5 – In Defence of the Night Sky

A very large step forward for the protection of dark skies was the approval of a resolution at the IAU: IAU Resolution B5 – In Defence of the Night Sky DSA Logo

The members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on Thursday, August 13, voted unanimously to approve a resolution in defense of the night sky and the right to starlight. The initiators of the resolution were the IAU Executive Working Group, the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone Project Dark Skies Awareness Working Group, the members of the Starlight Declaration, and the IAU Division XII/Commission 50 Working Group on Controlling Light Pollution. Read the Resolution at http://www.darkskiesawareness.org/files/resolution-b5.pdf - Constance Walker

Past News

Aug 23rd, 2009

IAU Resolution B5 – In Defence of the Night Sky

A very large step forward for the protection of dark skies was the approval of a resolution at the IAU:

IAU Resolution B5 – In Defence of the Night Sky
The members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on Thursday, August 13, voted unanimously to approve a resolution in defense of the night sky and the right [...]