2009 is the year of what? Yes, it is the year of the Ox. But do you know that 2009 is also the year of the telescope? This year the world celebrates the 400^th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s observations of the universe through an astronomical telescope. In 1609, the Italian scientist first pointed a “Dutch perspective glass” at the night sky and made discoveries that changed mankind’s conceptions of universe.

In honor of Galileo’s discoveries, the United and the I International Astronomical Union have declared 2009 to be the Inter national year of Astronomy (IYA2009)

IYA2009 is a yearlong celebration of astronomy. Its goal is to spread knowledge of astronomy’s contributions to society and culture and to inspire more interest in astronomy and science, especially among young people. The theme of the celebration is “The Universe, to Discover.”

One interesting objective of the IYA is to encourage more diversity in the field of astronomy and physics. IYAS organizers hope that the yearlong celebration of astronomy will inspire more females and underrepresented minorities to purse careers in science. An event that will help further that goal is 100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA) that will fall on April. This event aims to have as many people as possible look through a telescope. From April 2^nd to 5^th, millions of people worldwide will peer through telescopes to catch their first glimpse of the universe, just as Galileo did 40 years ago. Sidewalk astronomy events will give city-people an excellent opportunity to see the moon, the planet Saturn, and other objects in position for early evening observations.

Organizers hope that the activities of IYAA will “promote a greater appreciation of the astronomy.” So join the fun. Look through a telescope this year!

60. What does the article mainly talk about?

A. The celebration in IYA2009.

B. The activities on the 400^th anniversary of Galileo.

C. The event of 100 Hours of Astronomy.

D. How to spread knowledge of astronomy.

61. Which of the following is TRUE to the passage?

A. The IYA celebrations will fall on April lasting 100 hours.

B. IYS20009 is a yearlong celebration t honor Galileo’s Discoveries.

C. The aim of 100HA is to spread knowledge of astronomy’s contributions.

D. People worldwide will have a chance to peer the universe in 100HA.

62. What can you infer from the article?

A. More young people will take sciences as their career after a series of IYA events.

B. Minorities and females take no interest in astronomy.

C. People will have a better knowledge of the contribution of astronomy.

D. IYA2009 is the biggest event that takes place in the year of Ox.

63. What kind of article is it?

A. A news report.              B. A popular reading.

C. A tourist guide.             D. A science fiction.