Amateur Astronomers as Champions of IYA

One of the main goals of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (TYA2009) is to provide the public with opportunities to experience the universe through the eyepiece of a telescope. Amateur astronomers are uniquely equipped to fulfill this goal by offering their knowledge, tine; and telescopes at public events in their communities. The NASA Night Sky Network (http: //nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov) will be a hub for access to programs that support amateur astronomers doing such outreach during IYA2009, including a, set of monthly themes with materials and activities to complement each theme. Many of the programs will be available to amateur astronomers worldwide. Among the other programs and organizations collaborating with the ASP to provide resources to amateur astronomers in their roles as informal educators during IYA2009 are: GLOBE at Night; Dark Skies Discovery Sites, NASA's LCROSS Mission, IYA's Looking through a Telescope working group, NASA's Sun-Earth Connection; and Galileoscopes.