The International Astronomical Union : Uniting the Community for 100 Years / by Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Andersen, Johannes, author.

Baneke, David, 1979- author.

Madsen, Claus, author.

Contributor:

SpringerLink (Online service)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronomy.

Popular Science in Astronomy.

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology.

History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics.

Local Subjects:

Popular Science in Astronomy.

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology.

History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (XV, 375 pages) : 166 illustrations, 116 illustrations in color

Contained In:

Springer eBooks

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2019.

System Details:

text file PDF

Summary:

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919, in the wake of the First World War, together with its sister Unions in related natural sciences. It will thus turn 100 years in 2019. Written by a mixed team of insiders and outsiders, this book presents the IAU in the changing context of the historical, scientific and technological development of astronomy during the past 100 years. While much important scientific progress took place already before 1945, the book naturally focuses on the accelerating evolution during the second half of the century. In the past few decades, the previously narrow IAU focus on organising professional astronomy has broadened to include societally relevant activities such as addressing the hazard of asteroid impacts, the planetary status of Pluto in the Solar System, and the hugely successful International Year of Astronomy. Most recently, it is spearheading a combination of science literacy and public outreach. The book will be of interest to professional astronomers as well as an astronomically interested general audience. The book features live personal interviews with as many of the key actors as still possible.

Contents:

Chapter 1: The Birth of the IAU (1919-1929)

Chapter 2: Crises and Opportunities (1940-1959)

Chapter 3: A Decade of Astronomical Surprises (1960-1969)

Chapter 4: A Two-Faced Period (1970-1989)

Chapter 5: Opening up (1990-2000)

Chapter 6: The IAU in the 21st Century (2001-2019)

Appendix 1: General Assemblies, Membership Numbers, Officials

Appendix 2: Commission History

Appendix 3: List of National Members

Appendix 4: International Schools for Young Astronomers.

Other Format:

Printed edition:

ISBN:

978-3-319-96965-7

9783319969657

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.