It was four hundred years ago that Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei turned a telescope toward the skies and forty years since man landed on the moon.

To celebrate these landmark events in human history, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy.

“With more than 90 countries taking part, the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) promises to be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture,” said Head of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Sally Barnes.
 

By Deborah Dawson

What is most apparent since council started this ghastly fines business is that Bundeena beaches are empty now. During school hours  there will be no one on Horderns - not a sausage. Even over the past  (hot) weekend, beach-goer numbers were down significantly.