IYA2009: Global-Space-Interglobal Events and Enterprise

The 2009 International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) looks to promote and advance astronomy worldwide as it commemorates the first use of a telescope by Galileo Galilei 400 years ago. Carrying the theme 'The Universe, Yours to Discover,' the IYA2009 will initiate and support networks of amateur and professional astronomers, educators, astrophysicists, students and enthusiasts. The official opening on January 15-16 in Paris, France, will precede multitudes of events on all seven continents and in over 135 countries. While terrestrial-based astronomy will dominate much of the year's focus, space-based observatories will highlight humanity's evolving journey beyond our planet and to the stars, galaxy and beyond. The Hubble telescope is set for its final servicing mission on May 12 by the crew of Atlantis STS-125 (HST-SM4), who plans to extend its life for another decade of service. Extensive work on the larger, infrared James Webb Space telescope continues in preparation for a 2013 launch. With a growing private space sector now in full swing, other observatories are being planned. One of these -- the International Lunar Observatory (ILO) -- hopes to pioneer lunar-based astronomy with a permanent operational presence on the South Pole's Malapert Mountain by around 2012. The ILO's dual-function nature will both advance astronomy, science and education as well as pioneer communications and a toehold for future human buildout on our closest neighboring world -- the Moon. (Credit: IAU, Richard Wainscoat, NASA, ILOA)

The first major space / science conference of 2009 will take place on Jan 3-7 at the North Eastern Hill University in the enchanting city of Shillong, India. Set in this popular tourist destination, and important center of education of North East India, the '96th Indian Science Congress' will deliberate on the focus theme 'Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research.' More than 2000 students from around the country will participate in the event as the country's esteemed scientists and diplomats explore ways to excite the youth into careers in science and technology. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (BR) will inaugurate the ISC on Jan 3, and the next day former President and nuclear scientist APJ Abdul Kalam (BL) will interact with children during the Children's Science Congress. The virtual science congress, which links the science congress to local farmers and students across the country through satellite connectivity, will also be utilized during the Congress. This event is coming at a time in which interest in space science is peaking in India. After the successful launch of its first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 (TL), project director M. Annadurai received job inquiries from several India natives working abroad. The India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) currently employs about 10,000 scientists and engineers, and about 90% have graduated from India engineering universities or colleges. (Credit: ISRO, ISCA)