International Year of Astronomy

The 400th anniversary of Galileo's telescope will be marked by a highly organized international effort to celebrate the age of astronomy entitled the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009). The year-long worldwide event will emphasize education, public engagement, and the participation of young people. UNESCO has endorsed IYA2009. As host of the "Galileo, Medici and the Age of Astronomy" exhibition, The Franklin was the natural location for the kick-off of one of IYA2009's 11 global cornerstone projects—100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA, www.100hoursofastronomy.org). From April 2-5, 2009, science centers, observatories, astronomy clubs, and other organizations around the world will participate in 100 continuous hours of public outreach events. Research observatories will also host live webcasts.