Tuesday, November 24, 2009

International Year of Astronomy: Get to Know the Cosmos

Ever want to know more about the moon, planets, stars, galaxies and other objects that light up the night sky? With 2009 designated the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), now is the perfect time to enhance your knowledge of the cosmos.
IYA2009 is a global effort, initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to spark interest in the universe. Kicked off on January 15 in Paris, France, thousands of events are being held around the world to encourage people, particularly the youth, to explore the final frontier.

Mankind has gazed and been amazed by the heavens since prehistoric times, but only within the last 1,000 or so years have we sought to understand and explore it. Since the invention of the telescope by Galileo in the 1600s, however, our understanding of the universe has really taken off.
Despite this rapidly growing knowledge, too many know too little about the universe or even have an interest in learning more about it. How many can identify the planets in the night sky? Know at least one constellation? Can name the brightest star after our own? IYA2009 is bound to change that. For the full article go to:  http://www.abstroose.com/science/international-year-astronomy-2009-year-cosmos/

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