About the International Year of Astronomy
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.
This global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei.
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".
ESA and the International Year of Astronomy
The vision for the International Year of Astronomy is the realisation that astronomy and other fundamental sciences have a profound impact on our daily lives. ESA has already made an outstanding contribution to the field of astronomy, and space science, and continues to push technological frontiers to deepen our understanding of the Universe. ESA is contributing to the International Year of Astronomy in two ways: by direct involvement in a selected number of IYA cornerstone activities, and with special activities designed to promote ESA’s special place in modern astronomy. This workshop is organised by the ESA Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate, with the support of the ESA Education Office, in the framework of the International Year of Astronomy.
About the Galileo Teacher Training Program
The Galileo Teacher Training Program, a cornerstone project of the International Year of Astronomy, will promote astronomy education in classrooms around the world. The International Astronomical Union, in collaboration with leaders in the field of astronomy education and participating nations, will provide educators with the knowledge, tools and resources necessary to bring astronomy into classroom science curricula.
