Under One Sky: The IAU Centenary Symposium (IAU S349)

Presents a broad organisational history of the International Astronomical Union, the world's foremost body in the astronomical sciences.

Christiaan Sterken (Edited by), John Hearnshaw (Edited by), David Valls-Gabaud (Edited by)

9781108471596, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 April 2019

554 pages
25.5 x 18 x 2.5 cm, 1.03 kg

'Under One Sky is primarily a publication celebrating the centenary of the IAU and only secondarily a serious contribution to the organizational history of the astronomical sciences. On the other hand, it includes a wealth of biographical and other information as well as several chapters that will be of interest to historians of modern astronomy.' Helge Kragh, Journal for the History of Astronomy

The IAU Centenary Symposium was held at its General Assembly in Vienna in 2018. It starts with plenary lectures, by Malcolm Longair on 100 years of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, and by Catherine Cesarsky, who reflects on a century of IAU history. There follows reminiscences from past IAU presidents and general secretaries and presentations on various aspects of IAU history, including some of the famous astronomers who served the Union. The volume then examines the relations between the IAU and different geographical regions, including the issues relating to the Central Powers after World War I, and the 'China crisis', when China withdrew from the Union in 1960 and was absent for two decades. The IAU's internal structures and organization are reviewed, along with trends in astronomical publishing and astronomical education. IAU S349 finishes with a vision of the IAU's future from its current president, Ewine van Dishoeck.

Part I. Centenary Celebration Session. 1. 100 years of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology M. Longair
2. Reflections on 100 years of IAU C. Cesarsky
Part II. Reminiscences from Past IAU Presidents
Part II. Reminiscences from Past IAU Presidents
Part III. Reminiscences from Past IAU General Secretaries
Part IV. The IAU and its History
Part V. The IAU and its Relation to Diverse Geographical Regions of the World
Part VI. IAU Structures and Organization
Part VII. Astronomical Publishing
Part VIII. The International School for Young Astronomers
Education and Outreach
Part IX. Some Miscellaneous Topics in Astronomical History
Part X. The IAU in the Future.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA]