UN to Celebrate 2009 as International Year of Astronomy

United Nations (PTI): To mark the 400th anniversary next year of Galileo's use of the telescope to explore the universe, the United Nations has decided to work on stimulating worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science.

Proclaiming 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, the UN has envisaged a programme under the theme -- "The Universe, yours to discover," with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the lead agency and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) acting as implementing body.

"Encouraging the spirit of discovery and sharing of fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in its midst, it (the year) will provide an ongoing platform for international cooperation beyond all barriers including age, race, gender, status, time, place, and space," UNESCO said on Friday.

Till date, 99 nations and 14 organisations have decided to contribute to promote the Year by an unprecedented network of committed communicators and educators in astronomy.

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