Written by: Emilio D’alise (SoSF Staff Journalist) Perhaps not
all are aware 2009 has been designated the International Year of
Astronomy. What does this mean? It means the public will be
targeted by a world-wide effort to raise awareness of what’s
revolving above our heads. More precisely, we revolve under it,
and I can say it these days without fearing a visit from the
Inquisitors. Yep, it’s the 400th anniversary of Galileo
incurring their wrath. Galileo saw something and wanted to make
others aware of it, and now, 400 years later, the aim is not
just to raise awareness, but to elicit participation by people
young and old, from varied backgrounds, and in far and near
places around the world. The hub for this effort is the
International Year of Astronomy website. This is a deceptively
simple and unassuming site that opens up to a wide variety of
groups, associations, universities, and international groups all
wanting to make observing the universe a better understood, and
enjoyed, activity. Sure, people can