The United Nations has finally declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009). The decision comes in the 62nd General Assembly and after years of talks between Italy and the promoters of this initiative - UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union.
The IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope by Galileo, whose astronomical discoveries triggered a revolution that ushered mankind into an era of ever greater scientific, technological and human advancement.
The numerous activities and events planned for 2009 seek to unite humankind in the search for our common cosmic origin, but most importantly they also come as an opportunity for the world to embrace science and in particular astronomy and reach out to the most disadvantaged communities across the world. With a large network of 99 countries and 14 organizations signed up to participate in IYA2009, the initiative promises to be an example of international effort and cooperation.
The International Astronomical Union is presided by astrophysicist Catherine Cesarsky, the first woman ever to have been elected for such a position.
Original Source (s):
IAU Press Release
If the UN is for astronomy, then it may be time to sell my telescope on EBAY.