2009 – International Year of Astronomy
Friday August 18, 11:00-13:30, Panorama Hall
The IAU's initiative to have 2009 proclaimed the International Year of Astronomy is awaiting United Nation's endorsement this fall. The UNESCO General Conference recommended in October, 2005, that the proclamation be accepted by the UN while recognizing „that the study of the universe has led to numerous scientific discoveries that have great influence not only on humankind's understanding of the universe but also on the technological, social and economic development of society“ and „that astronomy proves to have great implications in the study of science, philosophy, religion and culture“.
In preparation of the IAU's programs for this big event we invite participants of this General Assembly to attend this plenary session.
Chair: Ian Robson
- Franco Pacini: Introduction
- Ron Ekers: The decision process
- Dennis Crabtree/Lars Lindberg Christensen: Ideas and suggestions for IAU's role in the 2009 IYA
- TBD: Lessons learned from 2005 Year of Physics
- Claus Madsen: The Universe Awareness project
- Suggestions from the floor and Panel discussion
- Catherine Cesarsky: Summary and conclusion
