Astronomy is the most ancient science mankind utilized and developed over the years. In an attempt to revive the vital role of astronomy in our 21st century high technology culture, the European Society for Astronomy in Culture (SEAC) will hold its 17th annual meeting on 25–31 October 2009 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), Alexandria, Egypt. This event will be an International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009) activity. The IYA 2009 was initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in partnership with the UNESCO and numerous associate organizations to help citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through astronomy and basic sciences. SEAC 2009 is to demonstrate the chronological evolution of astronomy throughout history and the rise and fall of different civilizations.

 

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to the society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. In 1609, he first turned one of his telescopes to the night sky and made astounding discoveries that changed mankind's conception of the world, it was a technological turning point in inventions history similar to today’s IT leaps. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy and science, especially among young people, under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover". IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that symbolize an invaluable shared resource for all nations.

 

SEAC 2009 has chosen the BA as located on the Mediterranean coast at the meeting point of Eastern and Western civilization, since its establishment centuries ago till its rebirth in 2002. Astronomy was studied and utilized in people’s daily life activities since the dawn of civilizations. Pharaohs followed by Greeks and Arabs excelled in sky watch. The ancient Library of Alexandria has witnessed the progress of this science through the peaceful transmission of knowledge from one civilization to the other. In 2009 the BA will host the IAY activity to portray astronomy as a peaceful universal scientific language that unites multicultural astronomers to answer astronomical phenomena affecting man’s life.