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International Year of Astronomy facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts


The year 2009 was named The International Year of Astronomy by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO. It was a celebration of astronomy around the world with 141 countries taking part. "The Universe, Yours to Discover" was the official slogan. The idea was to promote astronomy worldwide and get young people interested in it. The year 2009 is special to astronomers, as it is the 400th anniversary since the first astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei was used.

Activities run during the year included observatory tours, shows, and photograph displays. People could get involved in many of these activities online with a computer.

Images for kids

  • International Year of Astronomy (emblem)

    The IYA2009 logo

  • 2009 Austria 25 Euro Year of Astronomy Front

    International Year of Astronomy commemorative coin

  • Barack Obama looks through a telescope

    U.S. President Barack Obama views a double star in the constellation Lyra through an 8" Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope during the 2009 White House Astronomy Night.

  • From Earth to the Universe Movie Poster

    From Earth to the Universe Movie Poster

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Año Internacional de la Astronomía para niños

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International Year of Astronomy Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.