The year 2009 is being celebrated as International year of astronomy, to coincide with 400th anniversary of first recorded astronomical observation undertaken vide telescope by Galileo. In 1609 Galileo scanned the clear night sky with telescope which changed the humankinds understanding of our position in the universe, including mountains and craters on the Moon, a plethora of stars invisible to the naked eye, and moons around Jupiter. In the same year, Johannes Kepler published his work “Astronomia nova”—in which he described the fundamental laws of planetary motions.

In 1609, Galileo heard about the invention of the spyglass, a device which made distant objects appear closer. Galileo used his mathematics knowledge and technical skills to improve upon the spyglass and build a telescope. Later that same year, he became the first person to look at the Moon through a telescope and make his first astronomy discovery. He found that the Moon was not smooth, but mountainous and pitted - just like the Earth! He subsequently used his newly invented telescope to discover four of the moons circling Jupiter, to study Saturn, to observe the phases of Venus, and to study sunspots on the Sun.Galileo quote “I wish, my dear Kepler, that we could have a good laugh together at the extraordinary stupidity of the mob. What do you think of the foremost philosophers of this University? In spite of my oft-repeated efforts and invitations, they have refused, with the obstinacy of a glutted adder, to look at the planets or Moon or my telescope. “

The Catholic Church, which was very powerful and influential in Galileo's day, strongly supported the theory of a geocentric, or Earth-centered, universe. After Galileo began publishing papers about his astronomy discoveries and his belief in a heliocentric, or Sun-centered, Universe, he was called to Rome to answer charges brought against him by the Inquisition (the legal body of the Catholic Church). Early in 1616, Galileo was accused of being a heretic, a person who opposed Church teachings. Heresy was a crime for which people were sometimes sentenced to death. Galileo was cleared of charges of heresy, but was told that he should no longer publicly state his belief that Earth moved around the Sun.

The vision of IYA2009 is to help young people to rediscover their place in the Universe through the sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. IYA2009 activities take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes have been formed in each country to prepare activities for 2009. These nodes established collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators to prepare activities for 2009. More than 140 countries are already involved.

The major goals of IYA2009 are to:

1. Increase scientific awareness;

1. Promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences;

   
   




2. Empower astronomical communities in developing countries;

   
   




3. Support and improve formal and informal science education;

   
   




4. Provide a modern image of science and scientists;

   
   




5. Facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones;

   
   




6. Improve the gender-balanced representation of scientists at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers;

   
   




7. Facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.

   
   

As part of the scheme, IYA2009 helps less well-established organizations from the developing world to become involved with larger organizations and deliver their contributions, linked via a huge global network. This initiative also aims at reaching economically disadvantaged young children across the globe and enhances their understanding of the world.