This is the International Year of Astronomy…the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s telescope.

Learn about our incredible universe at www.astronomy2009.org

IYA2009 YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/astronomy2009

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NASA reviews their amazing achievements in 2008…The Ares I rocket, Hubble discoveries, the 10th Anniversary of the International Space Station, the Phoenix Mars Lander, and even a new swimsuit that broke world records.

www.nasa.gov

Planet Venus was brilliant last night as it hung just below the crescent moon.  You could briefly seen this jeweled pairing in the early evening sky as New Year’s Eve drew to a close.  If you had a clear horizon right after sunset, you might have seen Jupiter shining brightly right next to Mercury, much smaller and dimmer, but those planets were side by side last night too.  More info at earthsky.org/skywatching

A really beautiful celestial show to ring in the New Year.  Happy 2009, and Thanks for reading this blog!

Mike @ ThisCrazyCosmos