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  • © 2019

The International Astronomical Union

Uniting the Community for 100 Years

  • This book chronicles the International Astronomical Union on the background of 100 years of astronomy
  • It describes how the Union has evolved from a closed club of astronomers to a vital force in modern society
  • A central feature is its live personal interviews, with new photos, of many of the key actors since 1964

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. The Birth of the IAU (1919–1929)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 1-27
  3. Crises and Opportunities (1940–1959)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 29-50
  4. A Decade of Astronomical Surprises (1960–1969)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 51-90
  5. A Two-Faced Period (1970–1989)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 91-172
  6. Opening Up (1990–2000)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 173-223
  7. The IAU in the Twenty-First Century (2001–2019)

    • Johannes Andersen, David Baneke, Claus Madsen
    Pages 225-325
  8. Back Matter

    Pages 327-375

About this book

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.




Authors and Affiliations

  • Dark Cosmology Centre, The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Johannes Andersen

  • History and Philosophy of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    David Baneke

  • Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Claus Madsen

About the authors

Johannes Andersen (Denmark) is a former IAU General Secretary and a research astronomer with ~400 professional publications and an IAU Symposium volume behind him.

David Baneke (Netherlands) is assistant professor in the history of science at Utrecht University and has written extensively on the history of modern science and scientific institutions.

Claus Madsen (Denmark) is a former outreach and policy officer at ESO, a key actor in the preparation of the IYA in 2009, and the author of books on astronomy, including the history of ESO, science communication and European science policy.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access