Astronomers as Diplomats: When the IAU Builds Bridges Between Nations

This book explores how astronomers have maintained international connections during political tensions and crises, focusing on four periods: WWI, the Cold War, the "China crisis," and radio astronomers' role in building bridges between East and West. It also reveals the "hidden story" of the IAU's relations with the United Nations after the "Moon race" and how UNESCO and the IAU became strong partners in organizing the International Year of Astronomy and the "Astronomy and World Heritage" initiative.

Format: Hardback
Length: 511 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into a series of significant historical events where astronomers played a pivotal role in maintaining communication and cooperation among astronomers from different nations, even in times of international political tensions or crises. Written by 20 esteemed international authors, the chapters of this book specifically focus on four periods where astronomers were particularly active in international relations:

The First World War (WWI) era, marked by the creation of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) alongside other scientific unions.

The Cold War period, characterized by the division of several countries into opposing blocs.

A third period when radio astronomers, in particular, played a crucial role in "building bridges" between East and West.

The "hidden story" of the relations between the IAU and the United Nations following the "Moon race," when the United Nations sought to challenge the IAU's authority on "extraterrestrial names."

The final chapter examines how twenty years later, UNESCO and the IAU had developed a strong partnership.

During the WWI period, astronomers played a crucial role in international relations. The creation of the IAU, which brought together astronomers from different countries, was a significant milestone. This union facilitated communication and cooperation among astronomers, despite the political tensions of the time.

One notable example of astronomers' international collaboration during this period was the work of A.S. Eddington and his network, known as the Eddington Circle. Eddington was a British astronomer who played a key role in the discovery of the relativity theory by Albert Einstein. Despite the restrictions imposed by World War I, Eddington and his colleagues maintained contacts with astronomers in Germany and other countries through letters and other means.

The Cold War period also saw astronomers play a significant role in international relations. The division of the world into two opposing blocs led to tensions and conflicts, but astronomers continued to work together despite these challenges. For instance, Chinese astronomers from both the mainland and Taiwan contributed to the "China crisis" by providing different perspectives on the issue. Germanys twisted path in its membership of the IAU, from its admission in 1951 to its reunification in 1991, is another example of how astronomers navigated international political tensions.

Radio astronomers, in particular, played a vital role in building bridges between East and West during the Cold War. They used their telescopes to observe celestial objects, such as the Moon, which became a symbol of the ideological divide between the two superpowers. Despite the restrictions imposed by the Soviet Union, radio astronomers in the United States and other countries continued to collaborate and share data.

The "lunar nomenclature" issue also became highly sensitive during this period. The United Nations decided to challenge the IAU's authority on naming celestial bodies, particularly the Moon. This led to a heated debate and negotiations between the IAU and the United Nations, but ultimately, the IAU maintained its authority.

The book also highlights a third period when radio astronomers, in particular, were very active in "building bridges" between East and West. They used their telescopes to observe celestial objects, such as the Moon, which became a symbol of the ideological divide between the two superpowers. Despite the restrictions imposed by the Soviet Union, radio astronomers in the United States and other countries continued to collaborate and share data.

The "lunar nomenclature" issue also became highly sensitive during this period. The United Nations decided to challenge the IAU's authority on naming celestial bodies, particularly the Moon. This led to a heated debate and negotiations between the IAU and the United Nations, but ultimately, the IAU maintained its authority.

The fourth part of the book reports for the first time on the "hidden story" of the relations between the IAU and the United Nations after the "Moon race." The United Nations decided to challenge the IAU's authority on naming celestial bodies, particularly the Moon. This led to a heated debate and negotiations between the IAU and the United Nations, but ultimately, the IAU maintained its authority.

The final chapter reviews how twenty years later, UNESCO and the IAU had become strong partners. The two organizations had developed a close relationship, working together to promote astronomy and science education around the world. They had also collaborated on projects such as the International Virtual Observatory, which allowed astronomers to share data and observations from remote locations.

In conclusion, this book provides a fascinating insight into the role of astronomers in international relations. It highlights the importance of communication and cooperation among astronomers, even in times of political tensions or crises. The stories of astronomers' collaboration and their contributions to advancing scientific knowledge are inspiring and demonstrate the power of science to bring people together.

Weight: 969g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030986247
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022