On the occasion of 400-year human application of telescope which was invented by Galileo Galilei, the year 2009 was announced as International Year of Astronomy. The role of astronomy in history and culture of societies and its current scientific status is tried to be investigated and introduced to the world society in this year.
Naming this year as the International Year of Astronomy, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) attempted to draw the attention of people from all over the world to this age-old knowledge. Paying attention to the experiences of International Year of Physics can be a source of guidance and inspiration for people interested in this field.
Plans gathered and organized for this year has been based on local, national, and even international classification. More than 70 countries have already submitted their plans to IAU that can be a platform for exchanging information and astronomical know-how among professional and amateur astronomers as well as a mechanism for expansion of this science through different strata of societies.
General objectives of the presented plans:
1- Increasing scientific knowledge and information of people
2- General and easy access to new astronomical experiences and information
3- Conferring further powers on astronomical unions for development of astronomical know-how
4- Supporting and improving common formal and informal educational systems of countries
5- Introducing current condition of astronomy and related sub-branches
6- Expanding public observatory places and improving present facilities
Proposed plan in Iran
Three groups were introduced to set up the plans on International Year of Astronomy from Iran that submitted their plans through following frameworks:
1- Executive and planning officials
2- Professional and amateur astronomers
3- Average citizens
Proposed plan of the first group
1- Providing scientific and factual reports about astronomical development in the country
2- Appraising per capita scientific production of this field of study comparing other scientific fields of study in the country
3- Identifying human potentials and available resources in order to define professional and scientific proposals.
4- Advocating expansion of complementary education in the field of astronomy through proposed plans to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
5- Trying to set up an international research magazine
Proposed plans of the second group
1- Introducing leading researchers of astronomy and paying tribute to the pioneers of this science in the country
2- Introducing and praising amateur astronomers and institutes that are endeavoring to universalize this science.
3- Making contact with amateur astronomical unions in the world for exchanging information and combining efforts.
4- Dispatching researchers to other countries in order to visit related unions and facilities
5- Establishing regional and international conferences and workshops and inviting scientists, astronomers, and institutes from other countries
6- Trying to run an international conference on astronomy
Proposed plans of the third group
1- Producing radio and TV programs in the form of scientific interview and documentaries
2- Publishing simplified educational issues in newspapers and preparing educational booklets on astronomy with high circulation.
3- Organizing public fairs and observatories nationwide
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