The United Nations has declared 2009 the "International Year of Astronomy."ÂCoinciding with bothÂGalileo Galilei'sÂcelestialÂdiscoveries inÂ1609Âand the publication of Johannes Kepler'sÂAstronomiaÂNovaÂ(which described the fundamental laws of planetaryÂmotion), the International Year of Astronomy celebrates 400 years ofÂdiscovery and exploration of our elegant universe. It is an unprecedentedÂopportunity to showcase some amazing science â and to inspire cosmic wonder. On this episode of Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy talk with astronomer,Âeducator, and podcaster Dr. Pamela Gay about the many exciting global eventsÂpeople can enjoy during the International Year ofÂAstronomy. She also shares her thoughts about the changing face of NASA, and about some thrillingÂrecent astronomical discoveries.