3/25/2023 0 Comments Meaning astrometry![]() ![]() Several studies (see below) have told us that investing in science education, research and technology provides a great return - not only economically, but culturally and indirectly for the population in general - and has helped countries to face and overcome crises. Ahmed Zewali, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1999).Īlthough we live in a world faced with the many immediate problems of hunger, poverty, energy and global warming, we argue that astronomy has long term benefits that are equally as important to a civilized society. Fundamental research proves profitable in the long run, and, as importantly, it is a force that enriches the culture of any society with reason and basic truth.” But making new knowledge is neither easy nor profitable in the short term. The difficulties in describing the importance of astronomy, and fundamental research in general, are well summarized by the following quote: Pursuing these questions is a fundamental part of being human, yet in today's world it has become increasingly important to be able to justify the pursuit of the answers. Current research is struggling to understand questions like: “How old are we?”, “What is the fate of the Universe?” and possibly the most interesting: “How unique is the Universe, and could a slightly different Universe ever have supported life?” But astronomy is also breaking new records every day, establishing the furthest distances, most massive objects, highest temperatures and most violent explosions. There are still many unanswered questions in astronomy. ![]() This connection touches our lives, and the awe it inspires is perhaps the reason that the beautiful images astronomy provides us with are so popular in today’s culture. The discovery that the basic elements that we find in stars, and the gas and dust around them, are the same elements that make up our bodies has further deepened the connection between us and the cosmos. Now, as our understanding of the world progresses, we find ourselves and our view of the world even more entwined with the stars. Take, for example, the names of the constellations: Andromeda, the chained maiden of Greek mythology, or Perseus, the demi-god who saved her. We would now call this astrology, far removed from the hard facts and expensive instruments of today’s astronomy, but there are still hints of this history in modern astronomy. Early cultures identified celestial objects with the gods and took their movements across the sky as prophecies of what was to come. A revolution through which religion, science, and society had to adapt to this new world view.Īstronomy has always had a significant impact on our world view. When Copernicus claimed that Earth was not the centre of the Universe, it triggered a revolution. It is a discipline that opens our eyes, gives context to our place in the Universe and that can reshape how we see the world. Throughout History humans have looked to the sky to navigate the vast oceans, to decide when to plant their crops and to answer questions of where we came from and how we got here. & Christensen, L.L., Astronomy in Everyday Life CAPjournal 14, 2013Īstronomy and international collaboration By Marissa Rosenberg, Pedro Russo (EU-UNAWE, Leiden Observatory/Leiden University, The Netherlands), Georgia Bladon, Lars Lindberg Christensen (ESO, Germany)Īlso see Rosenberg, M., Russo, P., Bladon, G. ![]()
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