1. International Year of Astronomy 2009 Tuorla Observatory 15 October 2008 Tapio Markkanen

3. Italian initiative to the IAU, 2003 → proposal to UNESCO UNESCO’s recommendation to the United Nations, 2005 UN General Assembly’s resolution, December 2007 125 countries involved by Sep 2008 Charles Darwin published the Origin of Species in 1859. IYA 2009 background

4. Main Goals Scientific awareness among the general public Widespread access to the universal knowledge of fundamental science Empower astronomical communities in developing countries Improve formal and informal science education Provide a modern image of science and scientists Facilitate new and strengthen existing networks Improve gender balance Preservation and protection of world cultural and natural heritage of dark sites and historical astronomical sites The Millennium Development Goals

5. Cornerstone Projects 100 hours of Astronomy Galileoscope Cosmic Diary Portal to the Universe She is an Astronomer Dark Sky Awareness Astro & World Heritage Galileo Teacher Training Programme Universe Awareness From Earth to the Universe Developing Astronomy Globally Several Special Projects

6. 100 hours of Astronomy (an example) Observatories, planetaria, TV and Radio, Internet Professional and Amateur Astronomers together

8. From Earth to the Universe Will be exhibited in many communities throughout Finland, in Helsinki at the Main Buss Station.

9. Astronomical World Heritage

10. Projects in Finland Science Days January 2009, Grand Opening Books, articles, radio and TV programmes Europa Stamp by Finnish Post Office From Earth to the Universe Mobile Planetarium and Universe Lab One’s own observations Lecture Tour Solar System models Sky map exhibition at National Library Amateur Societies, star parties and shows Planetaria NOT competition for young people LUMA Centre and MAOL teachers’ network SciFest, University of Joensuu Galilean moons in position determination

11. The Universe as your own experience The whole country covered by activities

12. A Project for young people: Plan your Space colony. SciFest 2009 Coordinated by University of Joensuu Partners from South Africa to Finland

13. Determine your position by observing the Galilean Moons of Jupiter ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ Galilei 1609

14. Exhibition of Sky Maps at National Library October 2009 – Febryary 2010

15. A large co-operative community Working and coordinating group set by the Finnish National Commission of Astronomy and Ursa Association. Composed of professional and amateur astronomers, experts and actors of education and communication. More info and contacts: www.astronomy2009.org www.astronomy2009.fi walter.rydman@ursa.fi markku.sarimaa@ursa.fi tapio.markkanen@helsinki.fi Open road to the skies

16. The Universe – Yours to discover Initiatives welcome