scholarly journals The decline of astronomical research in Venezuela

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. 724-726
Author(s):  
Néstor Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Astronomical Research

scholarly journals X-Ray Sources in Close Binary Systems

1974 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 89-107
Author(s):  
M. J. Rees
Keyword(s):  
Binary Systems ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Rapid Variability ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Close Binary Systems ◽  
General Order ◽  
Typical Distances ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
Orbital Periods ◽  
Galactic Sources

The discovery by Giacconi and his colleagues of variable X-ray sources in close binary systems certainly ranks as one of the highlights of astronomical research during the last 3 years. These remarkable objects have already been extensively studied, by optical and radio observations as well as in the X-ray band; and they seem likely to prove as significant and far-reaching in their implications as pulsars.The ‘Third Uhuru Catalogue’ (Giacconi et al., 1973a) contains about 160 sources, of which about 100 lie in our Galaxy. Their distribution over the sky (together with other arguments) suggests that these sources have luminosities of the general order 1036–1038 erg s−1, and that their typical distances are ˜ 10kpc. These galactic sources generally display rapid variability. Little else is known about most of them, but they are probably of the same general class as systems such as Her X1, Cen X3, Cyg X1 and Cyg X3. These sources have been investigated in detail, and in all cases one infers a system where the X-ray source is orbiting around a relatively ordinary star. Six sources have been optically identified, and there are some others whose binary nature is established by the occurrence of an X-ray eclipse. Orbital periods range from 4.8 h (Cyg X3) up to ˜ 10 days.

scholarly journals A Global Network of Small Telescopes as a Resource for Astronomical Research and Education

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 923-926
Author(s):  
David L. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Educational Tools ◽  
Scientific Education ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
The Many

There is no question that relatively small telescopes are powerful tools for astronomy, just as they always have been. With the new detectors and full usage of computers, they have become even more powerful, enabling us to do with a one-meter aperture telescope today more than 4-meter or 5-meter telescopes could do only a few decades ago. And the small ones cost a lot less to build and operate than the large ones. As such, small telescopes are the main hope for observing time for the many astronomers worldwide who need them as part of their research (or educational) tools. They can make a major impact on many areas of research and will be of great value for scientific education as well. Astronomy is very interesting to students and to the general public, not just to astronomers. Furthermore, most areas of astronomical research are data poor and more telescopes are needed to effectively attack the problems. Only a very few of us have adequate telescope time for our research or educational needs.

scholarly journals Coping with a New Curriculum: The Evolving Schools Program at the Carter Observatory, New Zealand

1998 ◽  
Vol 162 ◽  
pp. 267-272
Author(s):  
K. Leather ◽  
F. Andrews ◽  
R. Hall ◽  
W. Orchiston
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Science Curriculum ◽  
National Observatory ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
The Public ◽  
New Science ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
The Government

Carter Observatory is the National Observatory of New Zealand and was opened in 1941. For more than ten years the Observatory has maintained an active education program for visiting school groups (see Andrews, 1991), and education now forms one of its four functions. The others relate to astronomical research; public astronomy; and the preservation of New Zealands astronomical heritage (see Orchiston and Dodd, 1995).Since the acquisition of a small Zeiss planetarium and associated visitor centre in 1992, the public astronomy and education programs at the Carter Observatory have witnessed a major expansion (see Orchiston, 1995; Orchiston and Dodd, 1996). A significant contributing factor was the introduction by the government of a new science curriculum into New Zealand schools in 1995 (Science in the New Zealand Curriculum, 1995). “Making Sense of Planet Earth and Beyond” comprises one quarter of this curriculum, and the “Beyond” component is astronomy.

scholarly journals Astronomical Research and Outreach in Georgia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
M. Todua ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Physics ◽  
Space Physics ◽  
State University ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Near Space ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Solar System Bodies ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
Under Construction

Interest in astronomy has been significantly increased in Georgia. As a result, the development of astronomical research, education and public outreach are in progress. In Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory - a research institution at Ilia State University - the observational and theoretical studies comprise a wide range of topics in astronomy and adjacent fields: solar system bodies, solar physics, stellar and extragalactic astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, atmospheric and near space physics. Georgian scientists are involved in wide international collaboration and participate in a number of networks and projects. Astronomical education at bachelor, master and doctoral levels are held at Ilia University. PhD programs are also offered at other universities. In 2018, under the financial support of the World Bank and Georgian government, the renovation of Abastumani Observatory has been started. International conferences and workshops have been carried out in Georgia. Excursions at the Observatory and public lectures in astronomy throughout the country are carried out. Amateur astronomers organize astronomical events. A private observatory is under construction near Tbilisi. All these puts better perspective for future development of astronomy in Georgia.

scholarly journals Detection of quasars in the time domain

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S325) ◽  
pp. 231-241
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Graham ◽  
S. G. Djorgovski ◽  
Daniel J. Stern ◽  
Andrew Drake ◽  
Ashish Mahabal
Keyword(s):  
Time Domain ◽  
Temporal Behavior ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
The Time Domain ◽  
New Facilities

AbstractThe time domain is the emerging forefront of astronomical research with new facilities and instruments providing unprecedented amounts of data on the temporal behavior of astrophysical populations. Dealing with the size and complexity of this requires new techniques and methodologies. Quasars are an ideal work set for developing and applying these: they vary in a detectable but not easily quantifiable manner whose physical origins are poorly understood. In this paper, we will review how quasars are identified by their variability and how these techniques can be improved, what physical insights into their variability can be gained from studying extreme examples of variability, and what approaches can be taken to increase the number of quasars known. These will demonstrate how astroinformatics is essential to discovering and understanding this important population.

scholarly journals Status of the Thai 40-m Radio Telescope

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (S337) ◽  
pp. 346-347
Author(s):  
Phrudth Jaroenjittichai
Keyword(s):  
Radio Telescope ◽  
Radio Astronomy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Great Leap ◽  
Great Leap Forward ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
L Band ◽  
K Band

AbstractSince the first light of the 2.4-m Thai National Telescope in 2013, Thailand foresees another great leap forward in astronomy. A project known as “Radio Astronomy Network and Geodesy for Development” (RANGD) by National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has been approved for year 2017-2021. A 40-m radio telescope has been planned to operate up to 115-GHz observation with prime-focus capability for low frequency and phased array feed receivers. The telescope’s first light is expected in late 2019 with a cryogenics K-band and L-band receivers. RFI environment at the site has been investigated and shown to be at reasonable level. A 13-m VGOS telescope is also included for geodetic applications. Early single-dish science will focus on time domain observations, such as pulsars and transients, outbursts and variability of maser and AGN sources.

The IAU Strategic Plan 2020–2030, a blueprint for forging a new social revolution in astronomy and for using astronomy as a tool for building a progressive society

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S367) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
John B. Hearnshaw
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Plan ◽  
Women In Science ◽  
School Level ◽  
Social Revolution ◽  
The Public ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
The Individual

AbstractI discuss the second IAU Strategic Plan for the decade 2020–30 in the context of the overall evolution of the IAU in recent past decades. This article shows how the IAU has evolved dramatically since WW2. It is hardly recognizable in terms of its original organization and goals of a century ago. What was once an inward-looking body engaged purely with the procedures of astronomical research is now a dynamic and outward-looking organization, interacting with people, especially students and the public.A large part of this success must be attributed to the IAU’s unique body of individual members, whose number has grown strongly in recent decades. It is the individual members, especially through the Commissions and Working Groups, who have promoted these enormous changes in the outlook of the Union. This is a model for other scientific unions to follow, and especially for the work to promote the careers of women in science, for promoting the careers of young astronomers, for bringing students into astronomy or into science in general, for helping people with disabilities to have careers in astronomy, for engaging with the public, and for helping to develop astronomy and science in developing countries.Looking to the future, the IAU’s new Strategic Plan for the years 2020 to 2030 has five major goals for the coming decade: 1. The IAU leads the worldwide coordination of astronomy and the fostering of communication and dissemination of astronomical knowledge among professional astronomers. 2. The IAU promotes the inclusive advancement of the field of astronomy in every country. 3. The IAU promotes the use of astronomy as a tool for development in every country. 4. The IAU engages the public in astronomy through access to astronomical information and communication of the science of astronomy. 5. The IAU stimulates the use of astronomy for teaching and education at school level.Future developments will also be engaging with the large number of amateur astronomers and helping to promote astro-tourism, which is perhaps the new frontier now growing rapidly around the world. The Strategic Plan is a blueprint for forging a social revolution in astronomy and for using astronomy as a tool for building a progressive society.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document