2009 : International Year of Astronomy

As lead Agency for the International Year of Astronomy, UNESCO will seek to increase the visibility of its work and to demonstrate the importance of international scientific cooperation to the development of knowledge in the field.

The broad scope of UNESCO's mandate means it can also go beyond the scientific dimensions to explore, for example, the implications of astronomy for culture, cultural diversity and philosophy.  Astronomy offers a perfect example of the potential links that exist between science, the social sciences, education, culture and communication.

UNESCO seeks to make these cross-cutting links materialise through such initiatives as Space Education Programme and the thematic initiative "Astronomy and World Heritage".

Well over 100 nations and dozens of organizations have signed up to mark the International Year with full programme of events.

 

Space Education Programme :

Space studies bring a new dimension to science education, introducing new knowledge, values and perspectives on the planet Earth and developing better understanding of the universe. The Space Education Programme seeks to enhance space subjects and disciplines in schools and universities especially in developing countries, through workshops, and by introducing space-related subjects in the curriculum.

 

Astronomy and World Heritage :

Activities for safeguarding of cultural heritage related to astronomy have already been undertaken under the "Astronomy and World Heritage" initiative launched by UNESCO's World Heritage Centre in 2003.

The objective of the Astronomy and World Heritage initiative is to establish a link between science and culture on the basis of research aimed at acknowledging the cultural and scientific values of properties connected with astronomy.

 

Related links:
::  UNESCO and the International Year of Astronomy (More)
::  Space Education Programme (More)
::  Astronomy and World Heritage (More)
::  UNESCO Montevideo and IYA2009 (More)

 

• Source:UNESCO SC
• 31-12-2008