The IAU and UNESCO have declared this year to be the "International Year of Astronomy" to commemorate Galileo's observation of Jupiter's moons through his telescope. See http://www.astronomy2009.org for details.

The mission of this year, for BAS just as for many other astronomy-related establishments - both amateur and professional, is to popularize astronomy and to take astronomy to as many people as possible, and at every level.

The IAU has also resolved to work on other areas where attention is needed like Light Pollution awareness, Better astronomy education etc. which will prove beneficial for the future of astronomy. BAS will join IAU in this, along with hundreds of astronomy establishments worldwide.