UNESCO 2009

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO 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. IYA2009 activities are taking place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes in each country are running activities throughout 2009 which will establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators. 137 countries are already involved and over 140 are expected to participate eventually.

To coordinate this huge global programme and to provide an important resource for the participating countries, the IAU established a central Secretariat and an IYA2009 website (www.astronomy2009.org) as the principal IYA2009 resource for public, professionals and media alike

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is endorsed by the United Nations and the International Council of Science (ICSU).

IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation through a telescope by Galileo Galilei. It will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and the involvement of young people, with events at national, regional and global levels throughout the whole of 2009.

- Project: National Public Announcement "History of Astronomy"	click
- Project: Galileo Galilei's Telescope.	click
- The Sky Watching Night of the 4th March wil be divided in: - Meeting "The Galileo Galilei's Telescope" - The story of the project "The Galileo Galilei's Telescope" - In the terrace of the Observatory will be positioned the telescope of the project "The Galileo Galilei's Telescope".	click
- Project: The sundial "Galileo Galilei".
- Project: Inflatable and transportable planetary.
- Project: Fasten allocation/assigning of the auxiliares telescopes.
- Project: Enlargement of the Radioastronomy department.
- Astrovia project: which leads from the "FOAM 13" to the parking.		Work in progress...

Letter of formal patronage of the projects of the FOAM13, for the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

We would like to thank the Prof. Leopoldo Benacchio for his interest.