2. The International Year of Astronomy will be a global celebration, in developed and developing countries alike, of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people and education at all levels. IYA2009 will mark the monumental leap forward that followed Galileo’s first use of the telescope for astronomical observations, and portray astronomy as a peaceful global scientific endeavor that unites astronomers in an international, multicultural family of scientists working together to find answers to some of the most fundamental questions that humankind has ever asked. IYA2009 is, first and foremost, an activity for the citizens of Planet Earth. It aims to convey the excitement of personal discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in it and the value of the scientific culture.

3. The International Year of Astronomy Vision 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. Celebration A global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture. 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 “

7. Criteria for international Years – Consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; – contribute to the development of international cooperation , in solving global problems, with special attention to problems affecting the developing world ; – generate significant follow-up at both the national and the international level in the form of new activities or the strengthening of existing ones; – organisation, timing, budget, evaluation, etc. International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) and the UN Astronomy

8. Criteria for international Years – Peace, Cooperation… Science, and in particular astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, represents centuries of collaborations across all boundaries: geographic, gender, age, culture, religion and race – realising the UN Charter principles! Astronomy is known to all indigenous people and constitutes a common element in human culture . It is a unifying element in a diverse world . Because it teaches us about our position in space and time, it supports a common understanding of humankind. International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) and the UN Astronomy

10. IYA2009 and the Millennium Development Goals A majority of the international crisis arise from the problems defined in the Millennium Development Goals. IYA2009 activities aim to contribute to the attainment of these goals.

11. IYA2009 and the Millennium Development Goals! Achieve universal primary education IYA2009 will add to the quality of primary education by providing the access to the universal knowledge of basic astronomy to teachers and pupils all over the world. Providing equal chances to access knowledge will result in the development of international cooperation in scientific research and applications. Scientific wealth is associated with economic wealth. Also, education empowers a society to find the local solutions to these challenges. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

12. IYA and the the Millennium Development Goals Develop a global partnership for development Gender equality is a problem for the whole scientific community, regardless the geographic location. The difficulties and challenges are different in all regions. Demonstrating solutions and showcasing examples of good practice can foster increased participation of women in science. Development relies on several factors, among others on the use of basic sciences to develop the appropriate applications. IYA2009 will connect the professional and amateur astronomers, astrophysicists, teachers, pupils from all over the world providing a opportunity to share all the valuable knowledge they have. These networks are meant to last last well beyond 2009. Promote gender equality and empower women

13. IYA2009 is a world-wide project National, regional and local projects International events, global projects The Year will be framed by international events and global projects. So far 10 global cornerstone projects were defined by the participating countries and organisations. The majority of the IYA2009 activities will take place on national, regional and local level. Already 86 countries and 11 regional organisations joined to the project.

15. Global Cornerstone Projects Cosmic Diary The Portal to the Universe Professional astronomers will blog in text, images and video about their life, families, friends, hobbies, and interests, as well as their work – their latest research findings and the challenges that face them in their research. A comprehensive directory of observatories, facilities, astronomical societies, amateur astronomy societies, space artists, science communication universities, as well as a news-, image- and video- aggregator and Web 2.0 collaborative tools for astronomy multimedia interconnectivity.

16. Global Cornerstone Projects She is as Astronomer@success.com Dark Skies Awareness The aim of the project is to provide neutral, informative and handful information to female professional and amateur astronomers, students and those who are generally interested in the gender equality problem in science. IAU will collaborate with the NOAO, International Dark-Sky Association and other national and international partners in dark sky and environmental education on several related themes

17. Global Cornerstone Projects Astronomy and World Heritage Galileo Teacher Training Programme UNESCO and the IAU are working together to implement a research and education collaboration as part of UNESCO’s Astronomy and World Heritage project. A unique global effort in empowering teachers to exploit the existing astronomical educational resources. The Galileo Teacher Training Programme will create a hyper-network (a network of networks of networks).

18. Global Cornerstone Projects Universe Awareness The Universe from the Earth Universe Awareness (UNAWE) will be an international outreach activity that aims to inspire young disadvantaged children with the beauty and grandeur of the universe. The Universe from the Earth is an exhibition that will bring these images to a wider audience in non-traditional venues, like art museums, public galleries, shopping malls and public gardens.

19. Global Cornerstone Projects Developing Astronomy Globally . Astronomy needs to be developed, both professionally (universities, research), publicly (communication, media), and educationally (schools), in various countries that do not have strong astronomy communities. Implementation is focused on training and development at each of the levels mentioned above. It will include activities such as research exchange programmes, young astronomers development programmes, astronomy communication training, including workshops, infrastructure development, online courses.

20. Astronomy in Africa (and developing regions)

21. African Facilities SALT / SAAO HESS HartRAO / MeerKAT

23. Theme Vision Astronomy for Education The continent of Africa, with an ever-growing astronomy research community, united in the fields of education and outreach, working together and sharing resources, such that the people of Africa are educated, especially in the fields of science, engineering and technology. A Plan for Africa

28. IYA2009 and the UN system Adequate coordination is ensured by: UNESCO IAU/IYA Secretariat (hosted by ESO) National Organising Committees and IYA National Nodes Other UN bodies involved: UNCOPUOS

29. www.astronomy2009.org IYA 2009 Secretariat Hubble European Space Agency Information Centre Space Telescope-European Coordinating Facility ESO – Garching – Munich – Germany Contact: Pedro Russo [email_address]