The Director-General of UNESCO and the President of the IAU are pleased to announce the decision to declare 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, and the designation by the UN of UNESCO as the lead agency, in collaboration with IAU, in the implementation of scientific, educational and cultural activities during the Year. Download the PDF File (107 KB)

Astronomical Pictures at an Exhibition is a suite of high-definition videos that takes viewers through a virtual gallery featuring awe-inspiring visualizations of the cosmos. Read more about it on this link

The guidelines for IYA2009 Special Projects was released. Read more about it on the PDF file and on the Special Projects page.

The website of the IYA2009 Special Project "The World at Night" has received its one millionth visitor. Check the website on this link.

The IYA2009 Trailer was translated in many languages. Files in several formats are available on this page

Bonnevue Pictures is producing Palindrome, which will be the official motion picture event for New Zealand´s contribution to the International Year of Astronomy 2009. For a short description and information on the film makers visit bonnevuepictures.com/movies.html

In honour of IYA2009, the Austrian Federal Railways renamed a fast train "Astronomiejahr2009". This train connects the Austrian towns of Bregenz in the west and Graz in the south-east.

Read more (in German).

The trailer for IYA2009 Special Project "400 Years of the Telescope" Documentary is now online and available for your viewing.

Check it on the Official Website: http://www.400years.org/.

A Galileoscope prototype was unveiled during the ASP/AAS Meeting in St. Louis. The IYA2009 Galileoscope is now almost ready to start the manufacturing. The kit consists of only 15 individuals parts, is extremely easy to assemble and the optical quality is very good. It is now available for pre-orders. More information check the IYA2009 Galileoscope Cornerstone Project.

A feature article in Spring 2008 issue of Mercury magazine describes ambitious aims of Astronomers Without Borders and TWAN project.

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This resource is meant to be a quick reference guide for people doing any form of astronomy outreach. It is meant to cover some of the most common questions that are asked during any astronomy presentation. Hence it has been dubbed the "Essential Astronomy Quick Reference Guide for Outreach".

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The latest IYA2009 Brochure is now out! Latest information about IYA2009 Cornerstone Projects, Special projects, Task Groups and the Global project.
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Every year GHOU promoters meet to present results, exchange experiences, present new resources and introduce new tools. This year meeting is hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, and the programme will have a special emphasis on activities for IYA2009 and our participation in a very important cornerstone, the “Galileo Teacher Training Programme”.
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NASA’s website dedicated to the International Year of Astronomy 2009 is now online. Announced as a portal to NASA resources, events, and opportunities for involvement in the regional and national IYA2009 activities, it is a valuable resource for students, teachers, and the public.
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