Launch of the International Astronomy Year, at UNESCO in Paris

2009 has been declared the International Year of Astronomy by the UN General Assembly in collaboration with the International Astronomical Union. Like other space organisations, the European Space Agency is participating in the opening ceremony taking place in Paris today and tomorrow, 15 and 16 January.

Launched under the theme, 'The Universe - Yours to discover', IYA2009 involves more than one hundred countries, and will stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science.

The official opening ceremony takes place in Paris, 15-16 January 2009, under the aegis of the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Nobel Prize winners, scientists from all over the world and government ministers are attending this prestigious event.

On 16 January, Professor David Southwood, Director of ESA's Science and Robotic Exploration programme will present the future scientific missions currently being studied within the framework of ESA's Cosmic Vision.

Throughout the two days the general public can visit two scientific attractions that have been produced in cooperation with ESA: the Planck Dome exhibition and a travelling Herschel Discovery Truck.

Using images, videos and interactive games, visitors can discover two key ESA astronomy missions, Planck and Herschel, planned for launch in 2009. Using revolutionary instruments these two satellites will investigate how the first galaxies and stars formed and evolved and will give new insights as to the origins of the Universe.