The international year of Astronomy 2009

Russo, Pedro

http://hdl.handle.net/10284/2394

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Authors

Russo, Pedro

Abstract(s)

As the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) comes to a close, the true scope of the venture is becoming clear. The Year was launched by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under the theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover”. Since its inception, IYA2009 was planned to be more than just a series of activities occurring over 12 months. It has been designed and implemented as a springboard for the popularisation of astronomy with a much longer timeframe in mind. Abundant in grass-roots initiatives and global projects, this venture has been highly visible and its impact will last for years. Perhaps the most impressive statistic from IYA2009 is the sheer size and scale of the astronomy network that has been created: the largest in history. 148 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, joined together to work toward the common goal of making astronomy accessible to all; the International Year of Astronomy 2009 truly has been international! Individuals and groups in all of these countries have been collaborating both internally and across borders on projects beneficial to us all. The relationships forged between scientists, communicators, teachers, and enthusiasts during IYA2009 should remain far into the future, and it is hoped they will only become stronger with time. Sharing resources and expertise is a win-win situation, as IYA2009 has shown.