ISHTAR · The travelling astronomers. International collaborations after World War II and the reorganization of European astronomy (1953-1985)

The travelling astronomers. International collaborations after World War II and the reorganization of European astronomy (1953-1985)

This research project has investigated the history of astronomy in Europe after World War II. The analysis has focused on the international collaborations for professional research in astronomy and the construction of ground-based facilities for optical astronomy and solar physics. Between 1953 and 1985, several initiatives were taken by European countries aimed at strengthening astronomical research in terms of capacity and competitiveness. These initiatives resulted in new transnational scientific networks and new international observatories being built in both hemispheres. They inaugurated in fact a new era of international cooperation in astrophysics in Europe. The research project has dealt with a remarkable aspect of the European cultural heritage – the science of the universe – through the analysis of its intangible aspects (ideas, knowledge and practises), the tangible movable heritage (instruments and archival sources), the natural heritage (the sky and the landscape), and the material patrimony (telescopes and observatories). The project has pursued three research objectives: - 1: To bring to light the connections established between European astronomers in their search for sites on top of high mountains, where observatories could be erected. This objective has been achieved through the investigation of the reports on the travels, meetings, and site-testing campaigns organized in both hemispheres from 1953 to 1985. The analysis is based mainly on a comprehensive review of written primary and secondary sources. - 2: To explore the border area between pursuing domestic scientific objectives and creating productive synergies in a transnational dimension. This objective has been achieved by investigating the activities carried out both in the early phases of the European Southern Observatory (ESO, 1953-1966) and in the foundation of the astrophysics observatories in the Canary Islands (1959-1985). The investigation has been based mainly on unpublished archival sources. - 3: To identify the transformations in astronomical research that were brought about by astronomers working in an international environment. This objective has been achieved through the analysis of the organization, implementation, and coordination of the site-testing campaigns.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз