International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global effort to celebrate 400 years since Galileo first used the optical telescope to make the celestial observations that marked the beginning of the modern astronomy. Interestingly, the year 2009 also coincides with the 400th year of the publication of Astronomia Nova by Johannes Kepler, first time expounding the planetary laws of motion to humanity. The IYA2009 is endorsed by International Astronomical Union (IAU), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The world-wide celebrations of IYA started with the opening ceremony on 15th January 2009 at the UNESCO headquarter in Paris.

Being a premier research institute in astronomy and astrophysics in the country, the IIA has planned several public outreach programmes and educational activities spread throughout the year. Our goal is to bring the importance and excitement of doing astronomy to the common people.