The International Year of Wha-?

IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation through a telescope by Galileo. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other important dates in the history of science, including the publishing of Kepler’s Astronomia Nova, and Man’s landing on the Moon.

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.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) launched 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) under the theme, The Universe, Yours to Discover. UNESCO has endorsed the IYA2009 and the United Nations proclaimed the year 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy on 20 December 2007.

Astronomy in Singapore? No kidding.

As part of this global celebration of Astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, Science Centre Singapore and the Astronomical Society of Singapore (TASOS) are working together with the larger Singaporean Astronomy community to organise and run astronomy and astronomy-related educational activities. These will be run throughout year to help reconnect people with Astronomy, the night sky and all its wonders. Science Centre is the “National Node” for Singapore, responsible for coordinating the activities within Singapore.