About IYA
The vision of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) is to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day and night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.
Everyone should realise the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences on our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society.
The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover". IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.
IYA2009 activities will take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National nodes have been formed in each country to prepare activities for 2009.
These nodes will establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators to prepare activities for 2009. More than 100 countries are already involved, and well over 140 are expected to participate eventually.
Goals, Objectives, Evaluation
The major goals of IYA2009 are to:
- Increase scientific awareness;
- Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences;
- Empower astronomical communities in developing countries;
- Support and improve formal and informal science education;
- Provide a modern image of science and scientists;
- Facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones;
- Improve the gender-balanced representation of scientists at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers; and
- Facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.
IYA2009 will be evaluated by a qualitative and quantitative analysis of how well each objective, as implemented in hundreds of national, regional and global activities, has been reached. Data will be collected by online questionnaires after the completion of each activity. The IYA2009 Secretariat will coordinate the evaluation. A rigorous evaluation procedure will follow each of the four phases of the project:
- Planning (2006-2007);
- Preparation (2008);
- Implementation (2009); and
- Closing, Follow-up, and Evaluation (2010).
The fulfilment of these objectives will be achieved through the national, regional and global activities.
