International Year of Astronomy 2009

For those of you who don't already know, 2009 is the international year of astronomy. 2009 coincides with the 400th anniversary of the birth of modern astronomy, marked by Galileo's first use of a telescope for astronomical observation. There are many, many events going on around the world designed to increase awareness and uptake of astronomy, and to just get people interested in what you already know is a fascinating subject. The events are largely centred around taking part observational astronomy, which is easily the most instantly gratifying aspect of the subject.

You can find more information about IYA2009 on the official UK website here, but I'll include some direct links to what I see as some of the highlights of the site:

• UK Events search, including (for those of you based in North Northants) Autumn Moonwatch (27 Oct) and Public Meteor Watch (14 Dec) (both at Newton Field Centre, near Geddington*), and Starwatch Observing Session (Oct 29) with the Nene Valley Astronomical Society (at Sywell Country Park). There's also an events calendar.
• How to get into astronomy.
• Information about the Dark Skies project.
• Photo gallery.

Although this blog isn't officially affiliated with the IYA2009, I think the motivations behind it are easily compatible: one of my main reasons for starting it in the first place was to do my tiny bit for improving understanding, increasing awareness and spreading interest in astronomical issues. If you have even the slightest interest in astronomy, please do just two things:

1. Check out the IYA2009 UK website, look up some local events, dress up warm and get yourself along.
2. Have a flick through this blog, be inspired, and ask some questions of your own!

An optional third, if you use twitter, is to follow @astronomy2009uk which posts regular info and updates. You could also follow me, @TeaKayB for notification of updates to this blog (as well as random comments of varying interest and usefulness on any and all subjects).

Have a question about this topic? Comment below! Got an astronomy related question of your own? Ask it here.

* Which is near Kettering. And Corby.