2009: The International Year of Astronomy

It’s frankly depressing watching a Vice Presidential candidate who just doesn’t get that “Creationism” isn’t science (well maybe science fiction) — yet that’s just a symbol for the sad state of funding for public education. The last time the United States got serious about teaching science was during the when the Russians launched Sputnik in the late 50s. Well if you’d like to do something about this situation please take some time out and get involved with this effort:

2009: The International Year of Astronomy

“In the year 2009, the world will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy as it commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s use of a telescope to study the skies, and Kepler’s publication of Astronomia Nova. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other historic events in science, including Huygen’s 1659 publication of Systema Saturnium.

This will be modern astronomy’s quadricentennial, and the 2009 Year of Astronomy will be an international celebration of numerous astronomical and scientific milestones. Events are still being planned, and you are invited to tell us how you want to celebrate. This page is a product of the U.S. 2009 IYA team, and we want to help you make 2009 a year long celebration to remember.”

Please spread the word!