The Opening ceremony of the International Year of Astronomy took place in Paris, January 15-16, 2009, under the aegis of the UN, the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the IAU (International Astronomical Union).

It was also supported by a number of sponsors including French and international organizations and institutions . Around 800 participants were able to follow presentations ranging from history -Mayan to Islamic astronomy- to discoveries such as Big-Bang fossil radiation, as well as remote observations using telescopes and radio telescopes on every continent.

Related links:
::  UNESCO News Service