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IYA2009 Ceremonies Kick Off in Paris Today

by Geneva B | January 15, 2009 at 12:57 pm

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In case you needed a friendly reminder, 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). If you're one of those who enjoys keeping your face tilted skyward, you're in for an exciting year.

Opening ceremonies for IYA start today in Paris, France and will run until tomorrow. They are also being streamed live for your cosmic satisfaction. Over 800 students, scientists Nobel Prize winners and star-gazers are expected to turn up for the two days of festivities.

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contribution to society and culture, with strong emphasis on education, public participation, and the involvement of young people, and with events at national, regional, and global levels. Many thousands of individuals in over 135 countries around the world are already involved, forming the world's largest ever astronomy network. IYA2009 portrays astronomy as a peaceful global scientific endeavour 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.

Break out the telescopes!