International Year of Astronomy 2009, United States Node

Overlapping Galaxies 2MASX J00482185-2507365
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.

Oct 13th, 2009

From ‘Earth to the Universe’ Exhibit Opens at UA Museum

The University of Alabama’s Museum of Natural History announces the opening of “From Earth to the Universe,” a photographic exhibit on display in the Museum’s Atrium Gallery. This exhibition stretches around the globe. This installation has the added feature of a research partnership with the new Planetario Habana in Cuba where these prints are on display at the opening of the new planetarium and science-outreach center in Havana. View the exhibit in Smith Hall on the UA campus, 10 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Saturday through December 23.