PARIS, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Astronomical Union(IAU) on Monday announced 2009 the International Year of Astronomy, marking the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first turning one of his telescopes to the night sky in 1609.

    The International Year of Astronomy 2009 was aimed at providing an opportunity for the public to gain a deeper insight into astronomy's role in enriching all human cultures, while serving as a platform for informing the public about the latest astronomical discoveries, the IAU said in a statement.

    In the year 2009, astronomy would be brought closer to the public by facilitating their interaction with professional and amateur astronomers at planetariums and public observatories, it said.

    In 1609, Galileo Galilei first used a telescope to observe the night sky and made astonishing discoveries that changed mankind's conception of the world forever.

    The IAU, founded in 1919, was the world's largest professional body, with nearly 9,000 astronomers. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.