Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 40
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* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 40, April 17, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
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Contents
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1. Meeting announcement:
Joint Discussion 6 on "Applied Historical Astronomy"
2. Colloquium "International Relations in Astronomy"
3. Conference announcement:
The Fourth International Conference on Oriental Astronomy
4. Conferences 2000/2001
5. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
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Item 1 ENHA No. 40, April 17, 2000
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Meeting announcement
--------------------
XXIV General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union
Joint Discussion 6 on "Applied Historical Astronomy"
Manchester, UK, August 11, 2000
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 48,
7. April 2000, Item 3.)
Proposing Commission: C 41 (History of Astronomy)
Participating Commissions: 4 (Ephemerides), 19 (Rotation of the Earth), 20
(Positions and Motions of Minor Planets, Comets and Satellites)
Supporting Divisions: Division I (Fundamental Astronomy), Division II (The
Sun and Heliosphere), Division III (Planetary System Sciences)
Scientific Organizing Committee: Richard Stephenson (UK, Chair), S. Ansari
(India), S. J. Dick (USA), O. Gingerich (USA), M. Hoskin (UK), Nha Il-Seong
(South Korea), W. Orchiston (New Zealand), M. Standish (USA),
W. T. Sullivan III (USA), D. Yeomans (USA)
Editors of Proceedings: F.R. Stephenson & S.J. Dick
Contact address: F.R. Stephenson, Dept of Physics, University of Durham,
South Rd, Durham DH1 3LE, UK Tel.: +44 191 374 2153+;
Fax: +44 191 374 3749; e-mail: f.r.stephenson@durham.ac.uk
Program
a.m. Chair: Steven J. Dick
9.00 Richard Stephenson (University of Durham). Overview
9.20 David Brown. "Babylonian observations"
9.40 Richard Stephenson (University of Durham). "East Asian observations"
10.00 Louay Fatoohi (University of Durham). "Arab observations"
10.20 Discussion
10.40 Coffee
11.00 "European observations"
11.20 Wayne Orchiston (New Zealand). "Southern Hemisphere Observations"
11.40 S.M. Razaullah Ansari (India). "Practical astronomy in Indo-Persian
sources"
12.00 Myles Standish (JPL). "Early observations and modern ephemerides"
12.20 Discussion
12.40 Lunch
p.m. Chair: F. Richard Stephenson
14.00 Leslie Morrison (Former RGO). "Ancient eclipses and Earth's rotation"
14.20 Dennis McCarthy (USNO). "Earth orientation since AD 1600"
14.40 Donald Yeomans (JPL). "Ancient Chinese observations and modern
cometary models"
15.00 Mark Bailey (Armagh Observatory). "Historical variability of the
interplanetary complex"
15.20 Discussion
15.40 Tea
16.00 David Hughes (University of Sheffield). "Frequency of ancient
cometary meteoroid observations"
16.20 Kenneth Schatten (Goddard SC). "Early telescopic sunspot records"
16.40 David Willis (Rutherford Appleton). "The historical record of
aurorae"
17.00 David Green (University of Cambridge). "Historical supernovae and
their remnants"
17.20 Discussion
17.30 Close
The oral papers for JD6 are already set by invitation, but there is still
room for poster papers. Requests for poster papers should be sent to the
SOC Chair, F. Richard Stephenson.
For more information (conference fee, registration etc.), see the Web site
of the XXIVth IAU General Assembly: http://www.iau.org/ga24.html
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Item 2 ENHA No. 40, April 17, 2000
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Colloquium "International Relations in Astronomy"
-------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 47,
28. Januar 2000, Item 5. Translated by the editor.)
The next annual meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft will take place
from 18 to 23 September 2000 in Bremen and Lilienthal. The Working Group
for the History of Astronomy intends to hold a colloquium with the theme
"International Relations in Astronomy" on 18 September in Lilienthal.
Papers related to the place of the meeting or the time of Olbers, Schroeter
and Bessel are especially welcome.
Details on this colloquium will be published in Electronic Newsletter for
the History of Astronomy, in Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte No. 16
(June 2000) and in the Web page
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/bremen2000/index-e.html .
Preliminary announcements of papers may already be sent to the conveners.
Conveners:
Dr. Guenther Oestmann
Universitaet Hamburg
Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Mathematik und Technik
Bundesstr. 55
20146 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: (040) 42838-3579, Fax: (040) 42838-5260
e-mail: oestmann@math.uni-hamburg.de
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt
Universitaet Hamburg
Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Mathematik und Technik
Bundesstr. 55
20146 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: (040) 42838-5262, Fax (040) 42838-5260
e-mail: wolfschmidt@math.uni-hamburg.de
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Item 3 ENHA No. 40, April 17, 2000
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Conference announcement
-----------------------
The Fourth International Conference on Oriental Astronomy (ICOA),
19-25 August 2001
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 48,
7. April 2000, Item 5.)
The ICOA is held once every three years, under the auspices of the
international Organising Committee of the International Conference of
Oriental Astronomy. The 1st ICOA (1993) was held in Korea, the 2nd (1995)
in China, and the 3rd (1998) in Japan.
The 4th ICOA will discuss scientific issues relating to the recent research
achievement in oriental astronomy. Besides historical topics, the
Conference will also deal with some other important issues. Such topics as
"Symposium on Zhang Heng", "Symposium on Astronomical Literacy and
Education" and other interdisciplinary studies are being considered.
Nanyang, as a historical cultural city of the state level and a
neighborhood to the ancient Chinese capital city Luoyang, is the hometown
of ancient Chinese scientist Zhang Heng (78-139) and one of the most
important windows of the Chinese Reformation and Opening. Nanyang enjoys
enchanting landscape, splendid culture, and rich resources. Foreign and
native guests attending the 4th ICOA in Nanyang will be genuinely welcomed.
I. Organisation
1. International Scientific Council, Chairman: Professor Xi Zezong,
President of the Society for History of Science & Technology of China,
Fellow of the Chinese Akademy of Sciences (CAS)
2. International Organising Committee, Chairman: Professor Il-Seong Nha,
Yonsei University, Korea; Vice Chairman: Professor Chen Jiujin, Vice
President of the Society for History of Science & Technology of China;
General Secretary: Dr. Lu Dalong, Institute for History of Natural
Sciences, CAS
3. Local Organising Committee, Chairperson: Mr. Zhang Zhongxiang, Honorary
President of Chinese Institute for Zhang Heng of Nanyang, Vice Governor of
Manyang; Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Zhao Xiqun, Deputy Director of Chinese
Institute for Zhang Heng of Nanyang; General Secretary: Mrs Liu Yongping,
General Secretary of Chinese Institute for Zhang Heng of Nanyang
II. Programme
1. Plenary Lectures
2. Regular Sessions
S1 Calendar Making
S2 Star Catalogues and Atlases
S3 Historical Records of Astronomical Observations
S4 Instrumentations including Armillary Spheres and Telescopes
S5 Observations and Astronomical Boards
S6 Exchange of Astronomical Knowledge
3. Symposia
The following topical symposia will be organised. Those who are interested
in participating are advised to contact the conference secretariat as soon
as possible.
Sym 1 Symposium on Zhang Heng
Sym 2 Symposium on Astronomical Literacy and Education
Other topics will be announced and detailed in the Second Circular.
Suggestions are welcome.
III. Registration Information
A. Registration Fee
Early registration (Prior to 30 April 2001)
Conference participant: US$ 200
Accompanying person: US$ 100
Student: US$ 100
For registration after 30 April 2001 an additional 15 % will be added.
Registration covers all conference sessions, lunches, teas and the opening
reception in August 2001. It does not include airfare, accommodation or
other meals.
B. Accommodation
The Conference will be held at a hotel with three stars in Nanyang. Details
will be announced in the Second Circular. A wide range of accommodation
suiting each budget is available in the Hotel.
C. Financial Aid
Limited financial assistance may be available for selected young
scholars/graduate students. Details and application form will be included
in the Second Circular.
IV. The official language of the Conference will be English.
Four Copies of the paper should be submitted to the Conference Secretariat
before 30 April 2001.
V. Important Dates
30 September 2000: Participants submit their abstract to the LOG.
Scientists who wish to organise a panel should submit their panel topic and
a brief abstract by this date.
31 January 2001: Particpants who have proposed their paper/panel topic will
be notified of the outcome.
The Second Circular and offical registration form will also be mailed
around this time to those who have returned the pre-registration form.
30 April 2001: Final date to register at reduced rates.
Address:
Conference Secretariat, Chinese Institute for Zhang Heng of Nanyang
Administration Building of People's Congress
People North Road, 473000
P.R. China
Tel. 0086-377-3311552, Fax 0086-377-3311302
[Text provided by Eckehard Schmidt, e-mail: eckehard@orion.franken.de]
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Item 4 ENHA No. 40, April 17, 2000
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Conferences 2000/2001
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 46,
6. Januar 2000, Item 5, and Nr. 47, 28. Januar 2000, Item 6. Partial
translations by the editor.)
Further conferences in the years 2000 and 2001 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
March 3-5, 2000, Seattle, WA, USA
Prayer, Magic, and the Stars in the Ancient and Late Antique World
An interdisciplinary symposium
Contacts: Dr. Scott Noegel, Department of Near Eastern Languages and
Civilization, Box 353120, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,
Office: 206-543-3606, Dept: 206-543-6033, Fax: 206-685-7936
URL: http://faculty.washington.edu/snoegel/stars.html
April 7-8, 2000, Hamburg, Germany
The Popularization of Sciences, international Symposium on occasion of the
40th anniversary of the Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften,
Mathematik und Technik; includes presentations on history of astronomy
Information: Gudrun Wolfschmidt, e-mail wolfschmidt@math.uni-hamburg.de
April 10-12, 2000, Leeds, UK
Science in the 19th-century Periodical: An Interdisciplinary Conference
Contact: Dr. J. R. Topham, School of Philosophy, University of Leeds,
LS2 9JT, UK, Email: j.r.topham@leeds.ac.uk
April 25-27, 2000, Leiden, The Netherlands
Looking Ahead In Wonder: From Comets To The Universe.
Oort Centenary Symposium
The program will focus on the areas of research to which Jan Oort himself
has made fundamental contributions, or in which he was specially
interested.
Contact: Janet Soulsby, Leiden Observatory, Postbus 9513,
NL 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands, Tel: 31 71 5275833, Fax: 31 71 5275819,
Email: oortsymp@strw.leidenuniv.nl
URL: http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~oortsymp/
June 1-4, 2000, Bielefeld, Germany
Annual Meeting of the Sundial Group [Arbeitskreises Sonnenuhren] in the
German Chronometric Society [Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Chronometrie]
Lectures, visit to a museum and excursion to sundials between Teutoburg
Forest and Weser.
Contacts: Klaus Eichholz, Zum Ruhrblick 5, D-44797 Bochum,
Tel. (0234) 793500, Fax 793554, e-mail Keichholz@t-online.de
August 21-23, 2000, Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK
P Cygni 2000: 400 Years of Progress
Contact: Mart de Groot, Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh,
BT61 9DG, Northern Ireland, UK,
Tel: 44 28 37 522928, Fax: 44 28 37 527174, Email: mdg@star.arm.ac.uk
URL: http://www.arm.ac.uk/~mdg/
October 13-15, 2000, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society
Contacts: John W. Briggs, Apache Point Observatory, Sunspot, NM 88349, USA,
tel. 505-437-6822, fax 505-434-5555, e-mail jwb@hale.yerkes.uchicago.edu
October 29-30, 2000, Tacoma, Washington, USA
One Hundred Years of the Quantum: From Max Planck to Entanglement
Sessions: (1) historical perspectives on Planck's work and the early
development of quantum mechanics, (2) twentieth-century debates about
the interpretation of quantum mechanics, (3) new topics in quantum
physics, including quantum optics and quantum computing.
Deadline for submission of contributed papers: March 1, 2000
Deadline for registration: September 1, 2000
Contact: Prof. Alan Thorndike, Dept. of Physics, University of Puget
Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, USA. (253) 879-3817, Email: thorndike@ups.edu
December 14-16, 2000, Berlin, Germany
Symposium on The Foundations of Quantum Physics before 1935
Contacts: Dr. Dieter Hoffmann, Max-Planck-Institut fuer
Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Wilhelmstr. 44, D-10117 Berlin,
e-mail dh@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de
February 19-23, 2001, Tenerife, Spain
Symposium Galileo 2001
Main themes: Galileo's Science, Galileo and the Church, The
Century of Galileo
Contacts: Orotava Canary Foundation for the History of Science,
Central Office of the Foundation, C/ Calvario 17, 38300 La Orotava, Spain,
Tel. 922 32 27 61, e-mail s_orotava@redestb.es
URL: http://www.iac.es/project/galileo/galileo.html
August 19-31, 2001, Hanoi, Vietnam
History of Geomagnetics, Solar-Terrestial Physics and Space Physics and
related disciplines
Half-day session during the IAGA - IASPEI Joint Scientific Assembly
The topics are the development of solar-terrestrial physics, space physics
and related disciplines during the last decades. It welcomes papers/posters
as biographical notes, research programs, international cooperation,
including all aspects of the problems of a general history of geosciences
and its related disciplines (physics, astronomy, geography, meteorology).
Contact: Dr. Wilfried Schroeder, Hechelstrasse 8, D-28777, Bremen, Germany
URL (for the Assembly): http://www.IAGAandIASPEI.org.vn/
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Item 5 ENHA No. 40, April 17, 2000
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 45,
3. Oktober 1999, Item 6. Partial translations by the editor. Slightly
updated.)
50 Jahre Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften.
[50 years Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. - In German]
Teil 1: Chronik der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der
Wissenschaften 1948-1998. Teil 2: Wissenschaftliche Mitglieder der
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften im Bild.
[Part 1: Chronicle of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of
Science 1948-1998. Part 2: Scientific members of the Max Planck Society
for the Advancement of Science in portraits.]
Im Auftr. v. Markl, Hubert. Teil 1 v. Henning, Eckart; Kazemi, Marion.
Teil 2 zus.-gest. v. Henning, Eckart; Ullmann, Dirk unter Mitarb. v.
Kazemi, Marion.
[On behalf of Markl, Hubert. Part 1 by Henning, Eckart; Kazemi, Marion.
Part 2 compiled by Henning, Eckart; Ullmann, Dirk with participation of
Kazemi, Marion.]
Berlin: Duncker & Humblot, 1998. XX, 588; XIV, 766 p., ill., tabs.,
portraits, ISBN 3-428-09068-3, DM 148.00 (2 vols. hardbound in box)
[The first volume contains a list of dates compiled by the Archives of
the Max Planck Society, on the foundation of instituts, the opening
ceremonies, new buildings, changes of places, the election of members,
their leaving or death, the appointment of directors, etc. The volume
contains a comprehensive index. Vol. 2 contains 677 portraits and a
list of all members of the Society with short notices on the work in
the Society. - Among the instituts are also astronomical ones, and among
the members are also astronomers.]
Review: M.Engel: Naturwiss. Rundschau 51 (1998) 9, 374-375
Andersen, Hans J.: Nordische Kalender-Astronomie. Fossum und die zwei
Sonnen. [Nordic calendrical astronomy. Fossum and the two suns. - In
German.] Lollschied: KULT-UR-INSTITUT fuer interdisziplinaere
Kulturforschung, 1995. 52 p., ISBN 3-929068-08-7, DM 18.00
(Imago Mundi - Stud.-H. ; 8)
Chapman, Allan: Dividing the circle. The development of critical angular
measurement in astronomy 1500-1850. Second edition. Chichester, New
York, Brisbane, Toronto, Singapore: John Wiley & Sons, 1995. 215 p.,
ISBN 0-471-96169-8, GBP 24.95 (hb)
(Wiley-Praxis Series in Astronomy and Astrophysics)
[First edition in 1990.]
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 116 (1996) 1133, 247
Review: W.R.Dick: Astron. Nachr. 317 (1996) 6, 382
Review: H.Jahreiss: Sterne Weltraum 35 (1996) 12, 980-981
Chapman, Allan: The Victorian amateur astronomer : Independent
astronomical research in Britain 1820-1920.
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1998. xxii, 428 p., 17.5 x 24.5 cm,
ISBN 0-471-96257-0, GBP 40.00 (hb)
(Wiley-Praxis Series in Astronomy and Astrophysics)
Review: R.Argyle: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1151, 243-244
Review: P.D.Hingley: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 109 (1999) 4, 216
Dallal, Ahmad S.: An Islamic Response to Greek Astronomy / Kitab Ta'dil
Hay'at al-Aflak of Sadr al-Shari'a. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1995.
X, 461 p., ISBN 90-04-09968-9, HFl 200.00 (hb)
(Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Science ; 23)
Humboldt, Alexander von: Briefe aus Amerika 1799-1804. [Letters from
America 1799-1804. - In German.] Ulrike Moheit (Ed.). Berlin:
Akademie-Verlag, 1993. 378 p., ISBN 3-05-001940-9, DM 154.00 (hb)
(Beitr. d. Alexander-von-Humboldt-Forsch. ; 16)
[Humboldt made also astronomical observations during his expeditions.]
Littmann, Mark: The heavens on fire : the great Leonid meteor storms.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. x, 349 p., 25.5 x 18 cm,
ISBN 0-521-62405-3, $ 39.95, GBP 25.00 (hb)
[A chronology of modern Leonid history, beginning with the 1833 Leonid
storm.]
Review: P.Brown: Sky & Telescope 96 (1998) 5, 79-80
Review: C.Steele: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 109 (1999) 2, 103
Review: R.M.Catchpole: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1150, 154
McBeath, Alastair: Sky Dragons & Celestial Serpents. London: Dragon's
Head Press, 1998. 72 p., 20.5 x 14.5 cm, ISBN 0-952-43873-9, GBP 4.99 (pb)
[Focuses on the mythological origins of the draconic or serpentine
constellations: Draco, Cetus, Serpens, and Hydra.
Distribution: Drogon's Head Press, PO Box 3369, London SW6 6JN, UK.
GBP 0.50 for post & packing.]
Review: J.Rogers: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1147, 383
Olson, Roberta J.M.; Pasachoff, Jay M.: Fire in the sky : Comets and
meteors, the decisive centuries in British art and science.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. xiv, 369 p., 20.5 x 29 cm,
ISBN 0-521-63060-6, GBP 50.00, US$ 74.95 (hb)
Review: B.J.Peiser: Astronomy and Geophysics 39 (1998) 4, 4.35
Review: A.D.Morrison-Low: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1146, 323-324
Review: J.English: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 93 (1999) 1, 57
Reinke-Kunze, Christine: Alfred Wegener. Polarforscher und Entdecker der
Kontinentaldrift. [Alfred Wegener. Polar explorer and discoverer of the
continental drift. - In German.] Basel, Boston, Berlin: Birkhaeuser
Verlag, 1994. 189 p. + 8 p. with ill., 16 x 23 cm, ISBN 3-7643-2946-7,
DM 48.00 (hb)
[The book deals only briefly with Wegener's relations to astronomy.]
Review: L.Mersich: Arbeitskreis Geschichte der Geophysik in der
Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft, Mitteilungen
14 (1995) 1, 39
Review: M.Holl: Sternkieker 32 (1995) 1, 34-35
Schwarzinger, Karl: Katalog der ortsfesten Sonnenuhren in Oesterreich.
[Catalogue of the fixed sundials in Austria. - In German.] 2nd ed.
Wien: Oesterreichischer Astronomischer Verein, 1993. 144 p. Out of print.
[Information: Dipl.Ing. Karl Schwarzinger, Am Tigls 76a, 6073 Sistrans,
Austria, Tel.: 0512-78 868, e-mail: k.schwarzinger@tirol.com]
Sobel, Dava: Longitude. The true story of a lone genius who solved the
greatest scientific problem of his time. New York: Walker & Co., 1995.
viii, 184 p., bibliogr. references (p. 177-180), index,
ISBN 0-8027-1312-2, $ 19.00 (hb)
[An account of John Harrison (1693-1776) and the problem of navigation
at sea.]
Review: R.W.Sinnott: Sky & Telescope 92 (1996) 1, 60-61
Other editions:
New York: Penguin Books, 1996. ISBN 0-1402-5879-5, $ 10.95 (pb)
London: Fourth Estate, 1996. ISBN 1-85702-549-0
Isis Press, 1997. ISBN 0753150360, $ 15.90 (pb)
Sobel, Dava: Laengengrad. Die wahre Geschichte eines einsamen Genies,
welches das groesste wissenschaftliche Problem seiner Zeit loeste.
[German translation of "Longitude" - see above.] Aus dem Amerikan. von
Mathias Fienbork. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, 1997.
238 p., 21 cm
[Licence edition from Berlin-Verlag, Berlin. For members only.]
Paperback edition:
Muenchen: Goldmann, 1998. 239 p., 11.5 x 18.5 cm, ISBN 3-442-72318-3,
DM 15.00 (btb Taschenbuch ; 72318)
Sobel, Dava; Andrewes, William J.H.: The illustrated longitude.
New York: Walker & Co., 1998. 216 p., ISBN 0-8027-1344-0, $ 32.95 (hb);
London: Fourth Estate. ISBN 1-85702-714-0, GBP 25.00 (hb)
[Contains the full text of Dava Sobel's "Longitude" (1995), illustrated
with nearly 200 pictures.]
Review: D.Wright: Astronomy and Geophysics 40 (1999) 1, 1.32
Sobel, Dava; Andrewes, William J.H.: Laengengrad - die illustrierte
Ausgabe. Die wahre Geschichte eines einsamen Genies, welches das groesste
wissenschaftliche Problem seiner Zeit loeste. [German translation of "The
illustrated longitude" - see above.] Aus d. Amerikan. v. Matthias
Fienbork u. Dirk Muelder. Berlin: Berlin Verlag Arno Spitz, 1999.
223 p., numerous ill., 24 cm, ISBN 3-8270-0324-5, DM 49.80 (hb)
Soemmering, Samuel Th.: Werke. Bd. 13: Schriften zur Physik und Chemie.
[Works. Vol. 13: Papers on physics and chemistry. - In German.]
Manfred Wenzel (Ed.). Stuttgart: Gustav Fischer Verlag, 1993. 328 p.,
ISBN 3-437-11475-1, DM 148.00
[Contains also works on astronomy.]
Wickert, Johannes: Isaac Newton. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt Taschenbuch
Verlag, 1995. 156 p., 11.5 x 19 cm, ill., ISBN 3-499-50548-7,
Paperback DM 12.90 (Rowohlts Monographien ; 548)
[Biography in German]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank: Steven J. Dick, Klaus Eichholz, Dieter
Hoffmann, Guenther Oestmann, Eckehard Schmidt, Karl Schwarzinger, Gudrun
Wolfschmidt.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
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list of all Electronic Newsletters
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 41
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 41, May 16, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Armilla - Working Group and Newsletter
2. Exhibitions
3. International Solar Eclipse Conference
4. Conference announcement: From the woodcut to the Feynman graph
5. Conferences 2000
6. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
Armilla - Working Group and Newsletter
--------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 45,
3. Okt. 1999, Item 1. Translation by Donald Bellunduno and the editor.)
In 1988 a working group for the history of astronomy was founded in
Hungary. Under the same name, a newsletter is being issued since 1999.
The group deals with the investigation of astronomical instruments and
devises in museums, libraries and schools with the goal to create a
catalog. The inventory will also contain meteorological and geodetic
instruments, celestial and terrestrial globes, as well as documents
(pictures, manuscripts). The working group is open to all those who are
interested. The scientific work is under the auspices of the Hungarian
Technical Museum.
The newsletter "ARMILLA" is published in two languages: Hungarian with an
accompanying English translation or summary. Issue Number 1 comprising 8
pages was released in Spring 1999 (format: A5, i.e. 15 x 21 cm). It
contains information about anniversaries in the history of astronomy in
Hungary, short book reviews, an obituary, information on an exhibition,
announcements of conferences, and an outline of Hungarian books on the
history of astronomy.
ARMILLA is free to members of the working group and is also available for
exchange with publications of other institutions or societes.
Contact address: Armilla, c/o Lajos Bartha, Frankel Leo u. 36, 1023
Budapest, Hungary; Phone: 36-1/326-0074
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
Exhibitions
-----------
The exhibition "Time, weight and measure" was shown from 30 October 1999
until 27 February 2000 in Stockholm, Sweden. It displayed a little more
than 100 objects dating from the 16th century and after from the
instrument and book collections of the Observatory Museum. Some issues
addressed were: measure of time, different clocks, almanacs, navigation,
different weights, scales, the metre and kilo. There is a published
catalogue in Swedish, and a series of lectures.
Observatoriemuseet, Drottninggatan 120, 113 60 Stockholm, Sweden,
tel/fax 46 8 31 58 10, e-mail observatoriemuseet@swipnet.se
From 1 December 1999 to 24 September 2000 the National Maritime Museum is
holding the exhibition "The Story of Time" at the Queen's House, Greenwich.
It presents a combination of art and science, displaying crucially
important and famous artefacts loaned by the world's museums, libraries and
art galleries. Among the objects on display are many artefacts from the
history of astronomy.
Catalogue: The Story of Time, 1999, 304 pages, 400 colour illustrations,
24.5 x 28 cm, paperback GBP 19.95, ISBN 1-85894-073-7, hardback,
GBP 25.00, ISBN 1-85894-072-9. Available exclusively from the National
Maritime Museum for the duration of the exhibition.
Address: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF
Telephone: (+44) 020 8858 4422, Fax : (+44) 020 8312 6632
Bookings Unit, for bookings and general enquiries:
Telephone : (+44) 020 8312 6608, Fax : (+44) 020 8312 6522,
e-mail: bookings@nmm.ac.uk
Opening Times: 10am - 5pm daily.
URL: http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/mill/SoT/
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
International Solar Eclipse Conference
--------------------------------------
Title: A crossroad on physics and eclipses of the sun
Venue: Elzenveld, Antwerp Belgium
Dates: 14 - 15 October, 2000
Introduction:
Over the last years, there have been dramatic changes in solar eclipse
travelling. Solar Eclipse specialists meet most of the time in the shadow
of the Moon. Solar Eclipse meetings out of totality are rare, or are
mainly focused on solar physics. The Solar Eclipse Mailing List and the
Solar Eclipse Newsletter has been successful as a vehicle in bringing
together solar eclipse enthusiast, professionals and amateurs alike.
Because there is no central eclipse in 2000 we have been presented with a
perfect opportunity for an International Solar Eclipse Conference.
We have had this project in mind for some time, but mainly due to planning
eclipse travels it has been put on hold. The aim of the conference is to
bring together professionals and amateurs, addicts, enthusiasts, and
chasers, as with the mailing list and the newsletter, sharing information,
knowledge, and experience.
Organisers: Patrick Poitevin and Joanne Edmonds
WebPages: http://www.eclipsechasers.net
Address:
Patrick Poitevin, 7A, The Drift, Rowlands Castle, Havant,
PO9 6DG Hampshire, England
Belgian Contact address: Poitevin, Secretaris Meyerlei 69, 2170 Merksem
Accounts:
Belgium 001-0591949-34 ASLK of Patrick Poitevin
England sort code 56 00 64 account 83716440 Natwest, Portsmouth branch of
Patrick Poitevin
USA: On Line by any Credit Card
Purpose:
Two days of lectures will be given in each of the disciplines:
predictions, mathematics, solar physics, weather forecasting, eye safety,
diameter measuring, edge and central, and ancient eclipse research. Of
course the August 99 eclipse and the forthcoming Africa 2001 eclipse should
be great topics of discussion, along with the once-in-a-blue-eclipse
eclipse of July 2000, five years of SOHO and the Solar Maximum. Lectures
and poster sessions by professionals and by amateurs.
Guest speakers:
We have invited ten international guest speakers, to give a lecture on
their own specialised subject. These ten professional lectures are expect
to last approximately 45 minutes and the smaller presentations from others
to last about 30 minutes. We have the agreement from those guest speakers
and we can ensure they are the ten masters in their discipline.
Dr. Jay Anderson, Meteorologist with Environment Canada: The Meteorology of
the Lunar Shadow.
Dr. B. Ralph Chou, Associate Professor, University of Waterloo School of
Optometry, Canada: Solar eclipse eye safety
Dr. Fred Espenak, NASA Astronomer, Goddard Space Flight Center, USA:
Predictions for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2001 (and beyond...)
Prof. Eijiro Hiei, Professor of Meisei University, Professor Emeritus of
University of Tokyo, Japan: Physical Conditions of Coronal Structure
obtained from Eclipse Observations
Dr. Ed C. Krupp, Director Griffith Observatory, USA: Devoured by
Darkness-Eclipse Lore and Myth
Dr. Barrie W. Jones, Head of the Physics and Astronomy Department at The
Open University, United Kingdom: Shadow bands, and other atmospheric
effects of solar eclipses
Dr. Serge Koutchmy, Astrophysicist at the Institute d'Astrophysique de
Paris-CNRS, France: Eclipse corona: some recent advances
Mr. Paul D. Maley, Expedition Coordinator for the NASA Johnson Space Center
Astronomical Society (Ring of Fire Expeditions), Vice President of the
International Occultation Timing Association, USA: Opportunities for
Research: Observing Eclipses at the Limit Lines
Prof. Jay M. Pasachoff, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy at Williams
College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA; Chair, Working Group on Eclipses
of the International Astronomical Union: Solar Eclipses: Teaching Us About
the Sun
Prof. Francis Richard Stephenson, Department of Physics, University of
Durham, United Kingdom: Historical eclipses and the changing length of day.
Some other speakers committed to give a lecture as well.
Ajay Talwar (India), Balch Dave (USA), Berghmans David and Clette Frederic
(Belgium), Brunier Serge (France), Callebaut Dirk and Makarov Valentin
(Belgium and Russia), Casado Juan Carlos (Spain), Clette Frederic
(Belgium), Diego Francisco (United Kingdom), Foing Bernard (ESA), Fischer
Daniel (Germany), Guillermier Pierre (France), Hopper John (USA), Jones
Eric (United Kingdom), Lariviere Jean Marc (Canada), Lemaire Joseph
(Belgium), Kalabwe Peter (Zambia), Meiser Gernot (Germany), Podmore Francis
(Zimbabwe), Riedl Peter (South Africa), Rusin Voyto (Slovakia), Staiger
Olivier (Switzerland), Vayada Nilesh and Yogini (India), Verichte Erwin
(Belgium), Verbelen Felix (Belgium)
The organisations and institutes whom will participate are currently:
Royal Observatory Belgium (ROB), European Space Agency (ESA), EIT Group
Belgium, Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BISA-IASB), Public
Observatory Urania Antwerp Belgium
Lecture fees for attendees:
Saturday lectures: 40 USD
Sunday lectures: 40 USD
Two days of lectures: 70 USD
Accommodation fees for attendees:
Accommodation Elzenveld 14/15.10.00 per night:
single 40 USD
double 55 USD
VIP 80 USD
Gastronomical fees for attendees:
Lunch Saturday: 40 USD
Diner Saturday: 50 USD
Breakfast Sunday: 15 USD
Lunch Sunday: 40 USD
Diner Sunday 50 USD
[Text provided by Patrick Poitevin, e-mail: patrick_poitevin@hotmail.com]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
Conference announcement: From the woodcut to the Feynman graph
--------------------------------------------------------------
26 - 28 March 2001, Hamburg
IXth convention of the History of Physics branch of the
German Physical Society (Fachverband Physikgeschichte
der Deutschen Physikalischen Gesellschaft).
FROM THE WOODCUT TO THE FEYNMAN GRAPH:
Depictions, Illustrations, and Diagrams in the History of Physics.
With this topic we apply to the history of physics a series of
fascinating issues concerning nonverbal representations that have
recently been raised in art history and in the historical treatment of
several scientific disciplines. Contributions covering any historical
period or subfield of the physical sciences are being sought!
Main conference language will be German, but talks in English are
also welcome.
Please send talk notices, with a one-page abstract (deadline: 15 Oct.
2000) or inquiries about the conference (also by those interested in
attending), along with full name and address (including e-mail or fax
no.)
to: Dr. habil. Klaus Hentschel, Institute for History of Science,
University of Goettingen, Humboldtallee 11,
D-37073 Goettingen, Germany
email: khentsc@gwdg.de
[Text provided by Klaus Hentschel]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
Conferences 2000
----------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 49,
28. April 2000, Item 3. Partially translated by the editor.)
Further conferences in the year 2000 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the following
URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
June 5-6, 2000, Rochester, NY, USA
196th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Session 1. Planetary Rings: a Brief History of Observation and Theory
Session 14. SOFIA, Clusters, Education and History
Session 24. Education, History
URLs: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas196/program/index.html
http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v32n2/aas196/S10.htm
http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v32n2/aas196/S140.htm
http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v32n2/aas196/S240.htm
September 15-16, 2000, Mariapfarr/Lungau, Austria
Annual Meeting of the Working Group for Sundials in the Austrian
Astronomical Society (Arbeitsgruppe Sonnenuhren im Oesterreichischen
Astronomischen Verein)
Contacts: Mag. Peter Husty, Burgfriedstr. 1, A-5400 Hallein, Austria,
Tel.: +43(0)6245 - 73304, e-mail: husty_mascha@utanet.at
September 22-24, 2000, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA
JASHOPS 2000: Joint Atlantic Seminar in the History of the Physical
Sciences - Interactions Between the History and the Philosophy of Science
Submitted papers should be concrete historical investigations on any topic
in the history of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biophysics or
geosciences. All are invited to submit papers, though preference will be
given to students and recent Ph.D.'s.
Contacts: e-mail: jashops+@pitt.edu
URL: http://www.pitt.edu/~jashops/
November 2-5, 2000, Cleveland, USA
Annual Sixteenth Century Studies Conference
Papers on all topics of early modern history of science and medicine
are invited.
Contacts: Gerhild Scholz Williams, Department of German, Box 1104,
Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. 63130, Phone 314-935-5151,
e-mail: gerhild_williams@aismail.wustl.edu
November 22-25, 2000, Madrid, Spain
100 Years of Quantum Theory - History, Physics and Philosophy
Contacts: Prof. Andres Rivadulla,
e-mail: Centenariofisicacuantica@filos.ucm.es
URL: http://fs-morente.filos.ucm.es/centenario/index.htm
November 23-26, 2000, Goettingen, Germany
Goettingen and the Development of the Natural Sciences: Perspectives on
Place and the Professoriate
Contacts: Nicolas Rupke, Institut fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte,
Humboldtallee 11, D-37073 Goettingen, Germany, e-mail: nrupke@gwdg.de
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 46,
6. Januar 2000, Item 5. Partial translations by the editor.)
25 Jahre Volkssternwarte Bonn. 100 Jahre Refraktorium. 1997 / 1999.
[25 years Public Observatory Bonn. 100 years Refraktorium, 1997 / 1999. -
In German.] Bonn: Volkssternwarte Bonn, Astronomische Vereinigung e.V.,
1999. 63 p., numerous ill., partly in colour, 21 x 29.5 cm, Pb DM 10.00
+ 3 DM shipping (Schriftenreihe der Volkssternwarte Bonn ; H. 7)
[With contributions about the Observatory of the University of Bonn and
its refractor, the Public Observatory Bonn, F.W.A. Argelander, a museums
project, megalithic astronomy and other items.
Distribution: Volkssternwarte Bonn e.V., Geschaeftstelle, Poppelsdorfer
Allee 47, 53115 Bonn, Germany, Tel. 0228-222270 (Monday 18:00-19:00).
Bank account 28 68-503, Postbank Koeln (BLZ 370 100 50), payment in
advance or by bill.]
Alexander von Humboldt und Gothaer Gelehrte. [Alexander von Humboldt and
scholars at Gotha. - In German.] Ausstellung des URANIA Kultur- und
Bildungsvereines Gotha e.V. ... im Museum fuer Regionalgeschichte und
Volkskunde, Schloss Friedenstein, Gotha, 15. April bis 27. Juni 1999.
Gotha: URANIA Kultur- und Bildungsverein Gotha e.V., 1999. 28 p., ill.,
21 x 20 cm, Pb DM 3.00.
[With contributions by Peter Brosche, Oliver Schwarz, Manfred Strumpf and
others. Distribution: URANIA Gotha, Mozartstr. 5, D-99867 Gotha, Germany,
Tel. 03621-856420, Fax 856421.]
Daxecker, Franz; Subaric, Lav (eds.): Christoph Scheiners "Sol
ellipticus". [Christoph Scheiner's "Sol ellipticus". - In German.]
Innsbruck: Leopold-Franzens-Universitaet, 1998. 55 p., 20 ill.,
16.5 x 23.5 cm, ISBN 3-901249-39-7, Pb oeS 180.00 / DM 28.00
(Veroeffentlichungen der Universitaet Innsbruck ; Bd. 226)
[German translation, with commentaries and an introduction about life
and works.]
Grosser, Hartmut: Historische Gegenstaende an der Universitaets-Sternwarte
Goettingen : Ein Katalog zum 250-jaehrigen Bestehen der Sternwarte.
[Historical items at the University Observatory Goettingen : A catalogue
on occasion of the 250th anniversary of the observatory. - In German.]
Herausgegeben von der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Goettingen, Kommission
fuer historische Apparate. Goettingen, 1998. 120 p. + 16 colour tables,
16.5 x 24 cm, 29 b/w und 25 colour ill., Pb DM 10.00
[Description of important instruments, not a complete catalogue; with
notes on the history of the observatory.
Distribution: if possible, please pick it up at the observatory (at
secretariat, or ask for A.Wittmann, H.-H.Voigt or H.Grosser; price DM
10.00); in exceptional cases also shipping, payment in advance (DM 15.00
in cash, cheque or stamps), by Prof. Dr. Hans-Heinrich Voigt,
Universitaets-Sternwarte, Geismarlandstr. 11, D-37083 Goettingen,
Germany.]
Klischies, Manfred: Argelander : Der Astronom. [Argelander : the
astronomer. - In German.] Lilienthal: Verlag M. Simmering, 1999. 200 p.,
14.5 x 21 cm, 13 ill., ISBN 3-927723-42-8, Pb DM 20.00 incl. shipping
[Distribution: Dr. Manfred Klischies, Feldstr. 10, D-25548 Kellinghusen,
Germany.]
Koch, Juergen W.: Der Briefwechsel zwischen Johann Caspar Horner und
Johann Georg Repsold. Kommentierte Uebertragung der Brieftexte.
[The correspondence of Johann Caspar Horner and Johann Georg Repsold.
Transcription of the letters with commentaries. - In German.]
Holm: [Eigenverlag des Verfassers], 1999. 152 p., ill., 15 x 21 cm, ISBN
3-89811-126-1, Pb DM 19.90
[Production: Libri Books on Demand. Available in bookshops which may
order books from Libri.]
Krafft, Fritz: "... denn Gott schafft nichts umsonst!" Das Bild der
Naturwissenschaft vom Kosmos im historischen Kontext des Spannungsfeldes
Gott - Mensch - Natur. [The picture of the science of cosmos in the
historical context of the field of tension Deity - Man - Nature. - In
German.] Muenster: Lit Verlag, 1999. X, 234 p., 16 ill., 16 x 23.5 cm,
ISBN 3-8258-4219-3, Pb DM 49.80 (Natur - Wissenschaft - Theologie.
Kontexte in Geschichte und Gegenwart ; Bd. 1)
Krafft, Fritz (Hrsg.): Vorstoss ins Unerkannte: Lexikon grosser
Naturwissenschaftler. [Encyclopedia of great scientists. - In German.]
Weinheim, New York, Chichester etc.: Wiley-VCH Verlag, 1999.
XI, 474 p., 15.5 x 23.5 cm, ISBN 3-527-29656-5, Pb DM 68.00
[Based on the encyclopedia "Grosse Naturwissenschaftler" (2nd ed. 1986).]
Launert, Dieter: Nicolaus Reimers (Raimarus Ursus) : Guenstling Rantzaus -
Brahes Feind. Leben und Werk. [Nicolaus Reimers (Raimarus Ursus) :
Rantzau's favorite - Brahe's foe. Live and works. - In German.]. Munich:
Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, 1999. [XI], 378 p.,
ISBN 3-89241-030-5, Pb DM 29.80 (Algorismus : Studien zur Geschichte der
Mathematik und der Naturwissenschaften ; H. 29).
Also: Kiel, Univ., Diss., 1997
Museum fuer Astronomie und Technikgeschichte mit Planetarium in Kassel.
[Museum of Astronomy and History of Technology with Planetarium at
Kassel. - In German.] Kassel, 1994. 17 p., numerous ill. in colour,
21 x 29.5 cm, Pb DM 6.00
(Schriften zur Naturwissenschafts- und Technikgeschichte ; 5)
[Text: Ludolf von Mackensen. Distribution: Museum fuer Astronomie und
Technikgeschichte, Orangerie, Karlsaue 20c, D-34121 Kassel, Germany,
Tel. 0561-71543.]
Oestmann, Guenther: Uhren und wissenschaftliche Instrumente der Familie
Hager. [Clocks and scientific instruments of the Hager family. - In
German.] Braunschweig: Staedtisches Museum Braunschweig, 1999. 253 p.,
ISBN 3-927288-29-2, Pb DM 29.00.
[Catalog of an exhibition. Distribution: Staedtisches Museum, Am
Loewenwall, D-38100 Braunschweig, Germany.]
Schroeder, Wilfried: Das Polarlicht [The Northern Light. - In German.].
Bremen-Roennebeck, 1999. 170 p., Pb DM 25.00
[History of aurora borealis research from antiquity to modern times.]
Schroeder, Wilfried; Treder, Hans-Juergen; Wiederkehr, Karl Heinrich:
Emil Wiechert (Physiker - Geophysiker - Wissenschaftsorganisator).
[Emil Wiechert (Physicist - Geophysicist - Science organizer.) - In
German.] Bremen-Roennebeck, 1999. 150 p., Pb DM 30.00
[Also about the cooperation with A.Einstein and about physics at
Goettingen.
Distribution of both books: Dr.W.Schroeder, Science Edition, Hechelstr. 8,
D-28777 Bremen-Roennebeck, Germany]
Vargha, Magda: The Konkoly Observatory Chronicle. In commemoration of its
centenary. Budapest, 1999. 158 p., ill., 20.5 x 29 cm, ISBN 963-8361-47-6
(Konkoly Observatory Monographs ; No. 3).
[Contains also reprints of papers, reports, and obituaries, as well as
remembrances of staff members. More information: holl@konkoly.hu]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank: Lajos Bartha, Franz Daxecker, Inga Elmqvist,
Michael Geffert, Klaus HentschelPeter Husty, Manfred Klischies, Juergen W.
Koch, Fritz Krafft, Guenther Oestmann, Patrick Poitevin, Wilfried
Schroeder, Oliver Schwarz, Magda Vargha, Juergen Wirth, Axel D. Wittmann.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 42
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 42, May 19, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Adam Perkins: Keeping time: a celebration of the year 2000
2. The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena - Third Conference
3. The Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
4. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 42, May 19, 2000
...........................................................................
Keeping time: a celebration of the year 2000
--------------------------------------------
By Adam Perkins, Cambridge, UK
In commemoration of the calendar's turn to the year 2000 an exhibition
`Keeping time', on display from March until September, will draw on the
enormous wealth of material in the University Library's collections to
reflect many aspects of the human appreciation of time and its passage.
One large collection of manuscripts in the Library is the Royal Greenwich
Observatory Archives. To the westerner, the words Greenwich and time are
closely linked. In the seventeenth century, following the observation of
the regularity of the pendulum, European mechanical clocks reached new
levels of accuracy. The accurate measure of time lead directly to accurate
astronomical observations, and the modern science of astrometry, the exact
measurement of the positions of stars and celestial bodies in the sky, was
born. From seventeenth century astronomy sprang the enormous development
of the physical sciences progressing since then.
But the precise regularity of the atomic clocks giving us our time today is
not the only manner in which we can perceive time. In the middle ages the
daylight was sometimes merely divided into two, the fore and after noon; or
the time between sunrise and sunset was divided into twelve equal parts,
parts which varied in length of time throughout the year. The solar year
is central to life on Earth but calendars in different cultures vary. It
is the lunar cycle which gives us the very word `month' and the calendar
in, for instance, Islam is a lunar calendar.
In literature, Donne and Shakespeare lament the passing of the years while
the idea of moving through time has stimulated authors who have created
works with little or no relation to scientific ideas of time and
time-keeping. Time travel has been a device used in children's fiction,
romance and historical novels. The aim of the exhibition `Keeping time' is
to explore some of the many ways in which humankind has sought to grasp and
use the idea of time and our place in time.
Cambridge University Library Exhibition Centre, West Road, Cambridge, UK
Opening times:
18 March to 15 September 2000 (closed 21-24 April; 28 August)
Monday-Friday 09.00-18.00; Saturday 09.00-12.30.
Exhibition open to all. Admission free.
Further information is available on the website
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Exhibitions/Keeping_Time/
which has some images.
Author's address:
Adam Perkins, Royal Greenwich Observatory Archivist,
Department of Manuscripts and University Archives,
University Library,
West Road, E-mail: ajp@ula.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge CB3 9DR, Telephone (direct): +44 (0) 1223 333056
United Kingdom. Telephone (UL sw/bd): +44 (0) 1223 333000
Facsimile: +44 (0) 1223 333160
URLs: http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/MSS/
telnet://ul.cam.ac.uk/
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 42, May 19, 2000
...........................................................................
The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena - Third Conference
------------------------------------------------------------
Palermo (Sicily), Italy - December 31, 2000-January 6, 2001
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS AND PAPERS
Dear Colleagues:
We wish to inform you of the up-coming Third International Conference on
The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena ("INSAP III"). This meeting will
explore mankind's fascination with the sky by day and by night, which has
been a strong and often dominant element in human life and culture. The
conference will provide a meeting place for artists and scholars from a
variety of disciplines (including Archaeology and Anthropology, Art and Art
History, Classics, History and Prehistory, the Physical and Social
Sciences, Mythology and Folklore, Philosophy, and Religion) to present and
discuss their studies of the influences that astronomical phenomena have
had on mankind.
The first two meetings (Castel Gandolfo, 1994; Malta, 1999) successfully
brought together for the first time people from just such a range of
disciplines to address topics of common interest. Papers from the first
meeting were published in "Vistas in Astronomy" (1995) and in "Leonardo"
(1996), and those from the second will appear shortly in book form. These
papers (described on our Website under "the First (or Second) INSAP
Conference") give an idea of the range of subjects presented at these
meetings. A similar publication is planned for the third meeting.
The meeting will be held overlooking the Mediterranean, a few minutes from
the center of Palermo, and will start with a New Year's Eve (and Millennium
Eve) banquet December 31, 2000. The meeting rooms will include ample space
for display (and sale) of works of art by attendees.
Full information on INSAP III and on the earlier conferences, and an
application form for the upcoming meeting, can be found on our Website
(http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap) or obtained from the
undersigned. Attendance will be by invitation from among those applying.
All presentations and discussions will be in English.
This Conference is sponsored by the Palermo Observatory, the Vatican
Observatory, and the Steward Observatory, and is hosted by the Palermo
Observatory as part of the bicentennial of the discovery there of the first
asteroid, Ceres, on the nights of January 1-3, 1801.
Please circulate or post this announcement.
Prof. Salvatore Serio, Palermo Observatory (Chair, Local Organizing
Committee) serio@oapa.astropa.unipa.it
Dr. Rolf M. Sinclair, Chevy Chase MD (International Organizing Committee)
rolf@santafe.edu
Prof. Raymond E. White, Steward Observatory (International Organizing
Committee) rwhite@as.arizona.edu
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 42, May 19, 2000
...........................................................................
The Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
------------------------------------------------
The Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop will be held July 5-8,
2001 at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Program co-chairs are
Steven Dick and Marc Rothenberg, and Matt Dowd is chair of the Local
Organizing Committee. Matt has posted the workshop web page at
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4.
More information on registration and housing will be forthcoming in the
Fall, as well as a call for contributed papers. For now, please mark your
calendars. Because we have more than a year to prepare, we have a
considerable amount of time to think about the program. Suggestions for
thematic sessions should be sent to Steven Dick (dick.steve@usno.navy.mil)
and Marc Rothenberg (josephhenr@aol.com). Thematic sessions normally
involve 3-6 speakers, and last for about 2 hours.
Over the years the Notre Dame workshop, inaugurated by Prof. Michael J.
Crowe in 1993, has become one of the premier gatherings of historians of
astronomy in the world. We hope you will be able to attend.
Steven Dick (U. S. Naval Observatory)
Marc Rothenberg (Joseph Henry Papers, Smithsonian Institution)
Matt Dowd (University of Notre Dame)
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 42, May 19, 2000
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 49,
28. April 2000, Item 4. Partial translations by the editor.)
Bakich, Michael E.: The Cambridge Guide to the constellations.
Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
xiii, 320 p., 19 x 25 cm, 88 ill., 22 tabs., 88 maps, ISBN 0-521-46520-6,
GBP 35.67 (hb); ISBN 0-521-44921-9, GBP 16.95 (pb)
[Including historical facts, also about "extinct" constellations.]
Review: P.Kelly: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 91 (1997) 1, 46-47
Bless, Robert C.: Discovering the Cosmos. Sausalito, CA: University
Science Books, 1996. xvii, 714, A24, I12 p., [8] p. of plates: ill. (some
col.), maps (some col.); 26 cm, ISBN 0-935702-67-9, $ 58.00 (hb)
[Introduction to astronomy, including an introduction to its history.
Topics: Cosmology - the beginnings through Newton; the life and death of
stars; cosmology - from Herschel to the present; worlds beyond the Earth.]
Review: S.Bowler: Astronomy and Geophysics 38 (1997) 1, 32-33
Boss, Alan: Looking for Earths. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
240 p., 24 x 16 cm, ISBN 0-471-18421-7, GBP 18.50 (hb)
[A historical account of the search for planets around other stars,
starting with Peter van de Kamp's claims in the 1960s of planetary-mass
companions orbiting Barnard's star.]
Review: K.Apps: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1150, 156-157
Cartwright, David: Tides: A scientific history. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1998. xii, 292 p., ISBN 0-521-62145-3, GBP 45.00 (hb)
[From the Ancient Greeks to modern times.]
Review: D.Gubbins: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 40 (1999), 4.34-4.35
Cassini, Anna: Gio: Domenico Cassini : Uno scienziato del Seicento. Testi
e documenti. [Perinaldo]: Comune di Perinaldo, 1995. 315 p., [16] c. di
tav. : ill. ; 25 cm, Lire 35,000
[Biography of Giovanni Domenico Cassini (1625-1712); in Italian.
Contents: Presentazione. Prefazione. Dedica a Perinaldo. Perinaldo.
Genova. Bologna. Parigi. Appendice documentaria. Ringraziamenti.
Autorizzazioni.
Distribution: Commune di Perinaldo, Piazza S. Antonio, 18030 Perinaldo
(Imperia), Italy.]
Review: A. Van Helden: J. Hist. Astron. 27 (1996) 2, 182-183
Davoust, Emmanuel: L'Observatoire du Pic du Midi. Cent ans de vie et de
science en haute montagne. Paris: CNRS-Editions, 2000. 542 p.,
17 x 24 cm, 70 ill., ISBN 2-271-05723-X, FF 240.00, $ 44.00
Dershowitz, Nachum; Reingold, Edward M.: Calendrical calculations.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. xxi, 307 p.,
ISBN 0-521-56413-1, $ 64.95 (hb); ISBN 0-521-56474-3, $ 22.95 (pb)
Review: D.M.F.Chapman: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 92 (1998) 4, 216
Dzielska, Maria: Hypatia z Aleksandrii. Krakow: Nakl. Uniwersytetu
Jagiello'nskiego, 1993. 161 p., 24 cm, ISBN 832330646X
(Zeszyty naukowe Uniwersytetu Jagiello'nskiego ; 1099)
[About Hypatia of Alexandria; in Polish. Summary in English.]
Dzielska, Maria: Hypatia of Alexandria. Translated by F. Lyra.
Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1995. viii, 157 p., 22 cm,
ISBN 0674437756, $ 29.95 (Revealing antiquity ; 8)
[Translation of Dzielska (1993).]
Review: G.J.Toomer: J. Hist. Astron. 27 (1996) 2, 174-176
Evans, David S.: The Eddington enigma. Princeton, NJ: Clibris, 1998.
199 p., 14 x 21.5 cm, ISBN 0-738-80131-3, $ 25.00 (hb);
ISBN 0-738-80132-1, $ 15.00 (pb)
["This is not a biography in the traditional sense, and Evans provides
ample references for such works, but is rather his personal quest to
uncover what made Eddington tick." (D.Stickland)]
Review: D.Stickland: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1151, 237-238
Fairall, Anthony P.: Large-scale structures in the universe. Chichester,
New York, Weinheim, Brisbane, Singapore, Toronto: John Wiley & Sons,
1997. xix, 196 p., ISBN 0-471-96252-X (hb); ISBN 0-471-96253-8 (pb)
(Wiley-Praxis series in astronomy and astrophysics)
[Chapter 1: The recognition of large-scale structures [1768-1990]
(p. 1-21)]
Fasching, Gerhard: Sternbilder und ihre Mythen. [Constellations and their
myths. - In German] 3d, enl. ed. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag,
1998. VIII, 379 p., 101 ill., ISBN 3-211-83026-X, geb. DM 78.00
Feldhay, Rivka: Galileo and the church : political inquisition or critical
dialogue? Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
viii, 303 p., 24 cm, ISBN 0-521-34468-9, GBP 35.00 (hb)
Review: S.Westfall: J. Hist. Astron. 27 (1996) 2, 180-181
Forbes, Eric G.; Murdin, Lesley; Willmoth, Frances: The correspondence of
John Flamsteed, first Astronomer Royal. Vol. 1: 1666-1682. Bristol:
Institute of Physics Publishing, 1995. xlix, 955 p., ISBN 0-750-30147-3,
$ 280.00, GBP 140.00 (hb)
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 116 (1996) 1132, 179
Review: T.Mahoney: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 106 (1996) 6, 343
Review: I.B.Cohen: J. Hist. Astron. 28 (1997) 2, 172-174
Galter, Hannes D. (ed.): Die Rolle der Astronomie in den Kulturen
Mesopotamiens. [The role of astronomy in the cultures of Mesopotamia]
Beitraege zum 3. Grazer Morgenlaendischen Symposium (23.-27.
September 1991). Graz: rm-Druck- & Verlagsges., 1993. 449 p.,
ISBN 3-85375-009-5, Pb OeS 450.00; out of print (?)
(Grazer Morgenlaendische Studien ; 3)
[The contributions are partially in German, partially in English.]
Review: B.R.Goldstein: J. Hist. Astron. 26 (1995) 2, 170-171
Gaertner, Heinz: Er durchbrach die Schranken des Himmels. Das Leben des
Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel. Leipzig: Edition Leipzig, 1996. 256 p.,
ISBN 3-361-00461-6, geb. DM 39.90, out of print.
[Biography of William Herschel, in German.]
Goodwin, Francis: The man in the moon. Edited with introduction and
annotations by John Anthony Butler. Ottawa, Canada: Dovehouse Editions,
1995. 118 p., ill., 22 cm, ISBN 1-89553-742-8, $ 20.00 (hb);
ISBN 1-89553-728-2, $ 8.00 (pb). Out of print (?).
(Publications of the Barnabe Riche Society ; 3)
[Originally published: London : John Norton, 1638.]
Good, Gregory (Ed.): The Earth, the Heavens and the Carnegie Institution
of Washington. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union, 1994.
xiii, 252 p., ill., map, 29 cm, ISBN 0875902790, $ 42.00
(History of geophysics ; 5)
Review: E.R.Paul: J. Hist. Astron. 26 (1995) 2, 183-184
Grau, Conrad: Die Preussische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin. Eine
deutsche Gelehrtengesellschaft in drei Jahrhunderten. [The Prussian
Academy of Sciences at Berlin. A German society of scholars in the course
of three centuries. - In German] Heidelberg, Berlin, Oxford: Spektrum
Akademischer Verlag, 1993. 281 p., ISBN 3-86025-088-4, DM 98.00 (hb);
out of print
[An important source for the foundation and early history of the Berlin
Observatory (see especially p. 60-65), but there is not much more about
astronomy in the Academy.]
Review: M.Engel: Spektrum der Wissenschaft (1995) 1, 115-116
Greenstein, George: Portraits of discovery : profiles in scientific
genius. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1998. 232 p., ISBN 0-471-19138-8,
$ 24.95
[Biographies of 10 researchers in the physical sciences, including Annie
Jump Cannon, Luis Alvarez, Richard Feynman, Margaret Geller, and John
Huchra.]
Harland, David M.: The Space Shuttle: Roles, missions and accomplishments.
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1998. xxiii, 529 p., 17 x 25 cm,
ISBN 0-471-98138-9, GBP 34.95 (hb)
[History of the Space Shuttle program, its missions, and scientific
achievements.]
Review: R.Turner: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1148, 46
Harland, David M.: Exploring the Moon : The Apollo expeditions.
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer-Verlag, 1999.
xxxi, 411 p., ill., ISBN 1-85233-099-6, DM 59.00, $ 39.95 (pb)
(Springer-Praxis Series in Space Science and Technology)
"Published in association with Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK".
Review: S.J.Goldman: Sky & Telescope 98 (1999) 2, 78-79
Review: R.Vaas: Naturwiss. Rundschau 52 (1999) 10, 421
Harvey, Brian: The Chinese space programme. From conception to future
capabilities. Chichester: Wiley-Praxis, 1998. 182 p., 25 x 17 cm,
ISBN 0-471-97588-5, GBP 29.95 (hb)
Review: J.K.Davies: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1147, 382
Haynes, Raymond; Haynes, Roslynn; Malin, David; McGee, Richard:
Explorers of the southern sky : A history of Australian astronomy.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. xiii, 527 p., 18 x 25 cm,
ISBN 0-521-36575-9, GBP 60.00, US$ 90.00 (hb)
Review: D.Stickland: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1138, 163-164
Review: D.A.Hanes: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 92 (1998) 5, 272-273
Review: J.B.Hearnshaw: J. Hist. Astron. 28 (1997) 2, 177-179
Heidmann, Jean: Bioastronomie. Ueber irdisches Leben und ausserirdische
Intelligenz. [Bio-astronomy. About terrestrial life and extraterrestrial
intelligence. - In German] Foreword by R. Kippenhahn.
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York etc.: Springer-Verlag, 1994. XVIII,
252 p., 15 ill., 6 of these in colour, ISBN 3-540-57137-X, DM 48.00 (hb)
[Also about the history of SETI. Translated from the French.]
Review: J.Dorschner: Sterne 72 (1996) 2, 119-120
Huse, Norbert (Hrsg.): Mendelsohn. Der Einsteinturm. Die Geschichte einer
Instandsetzung. [Mendelsohn. The Einstein Tower. The history of a
reconstruction. - In German] Stuttgart: Karl Kraemer Verlag; Ludwigsburg:
Wuestenrot Stiftung, 2000. 208 p., ca. 200 ill., ISBN 3-7828-1512-2,
Pb DM 48.00 (Baudenkmale der Moderne)
Knapp, Wolfram; Kippenhahn, Rudolf: Schwarze Sonne, roter Mond. Die
Jahrhundertfinsternis. [Black Sun, Red Moon. The eclipse of the century.
- In German] Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1999.
231 p., ISBN 3-421-02775-7, hardbound with CD-ROM DM 68.00;
ISBN 3-421-05187-9, Pb without CD-ROM DM 29.80
[Deals also with the cultural history of eclipses.]
Review: U.Bastian: Spektrum der Wissenschaft (1999) 6, 112-113
Review: H.J.Nitschmann: Astron. Raumfahrt 36 (1999) 4, 27
Review: W.Strickling: Sonne 23 (1999) 90, 62
Kivelson, Margaret G.; Russell, Christopher T. (Eds.): Introduction to
space physics. Cambridge, New York, Melbourne: Cambridge University
Press, 1995. xv, 568 p., ISBN 0-521-45104-3 (hb);
ISBN 0-521-45714-9 (pb)
[Partial contents: C.T.Russell: A brief history of solar-terrestrial
physics (p. 1-26).]
Marwinski, Titus: Christian Gotthilf Salzmann's populaere Himmelskunde.
Auszuege aus dem "Boten aus Thueringen" von 1798 bis 1800. [Christian
Gotthilf Salzmann's popular astronomy. Execerpts from the "Bote aus
Thueringen" from 1798 to 1800. - In German] Weimar: [Author's
edition], 1993. 40 p., out of print.
Neufeld, Michael J.: Die Rakete und das Reich. Wernher von Braun,
Peenemuende und der Beginn des Raketenzeitalters. [The rocket and the
Reich. Wernher von Braun, Peenemuende and the beginning of the rocket era.
- In German] 2nd, rev. ed. Berlin: Henschel Verlag, 1999. 400 p.,
ISBN 3-89487-325-6, DM 29.90
Review: H.Bernhard: Astron. Raumfahrt 36 (1999) 4 [53], 21
Osterbrock, Donald E.: Yerkes Observatory, 1892-1950. The birth, near
death, and resurrection of a scientific research institution. Chicago:
The University of Chicago Press, 1997. x, 384 p., 23.5 x 16 cm,
ISBN 0-226-63945-2, $ 40.00 (hb)
Review: D.Stickland: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1141, 374-375
Review: R.A.Marriott: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 6, 306
Review: R.F.Garrison: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 92 (1998) 4, 217-218
Osterbrock, Donald E.: Yerkes Observatory, 1892-1950. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press, 1999. x, 384 p., 15 x 23 cm,
ISBN 0-226-63946-0, $ 25.00 (pb)
[Paperback edition. First published in 1997.]
Ostwald, Herbert: Schaedel - Steine - Sterne. Spaziergaenge in die Berliner
Schatzkammern der Wissenschaften. [Skulls - Stones - Stars. Walks to the
Berlin treasuries of science. - In German] Berlin: Stattbuch-Verlag, 1996.
159 p., ISBN 3-922778-60-7, pb DM 19.80
[Contains also: Archenhold-Sternwarte Berlin-Treptow;
Bruno-H.-Buergel-Sternwarte, Berlin-Spandau; Wilhelm-Foerster-Sternwarte;
Zeiss-Grossplanetarium.]
Stern, S. Alan: Our worlds: The magnetism and thrill of planetary
exploration. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. 172 p.,
18 x 25 cm, ISBN 0-521-63164-5, GBP 35.00, $ 54.95 (hb);
ISBN 0-521-64440-2, GBP 12.95, $ 19.95 (pb)
["This book is a collection of articles by eight planetary scientists
who tell of their very personal explorations of a favorite part of the
Solar System. The careers of these six men and two women have spanned
the period described by Carl Sagan as 'the golden age of planetary
exploration' ..." (M.Penston)]
Review: M.J.Penston: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1152, 304-305
Tandberg-Hanssen, Einar: The nature of solar prominences.
Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995.
XV, 308 p., ISBN 0-7923-3374-8
(Astrophysics and Space Science Library ; 199)
[p. 11-14: Historical background]
Temple, Robert K.: The Sirius Mystery. London: Century, 1998. 440 p.,
24 x 16 cm, ISBN 0-712-67874-3, GBP 16.99 (hb)
[On the Dogon oral tradition about Sirius. The book "has astronomical
interpretations which are confused and taken out of context. Not
recommended." (P.A.L.Chapman-Rietschi)]
Review: P.A.L.Chapman-Rietschi: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1145,
245-246
Terzian, Yervant; Bilson, Elizabeth (Eds.): Carl Sagan's Universe.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. xiii, 282 p., 25 x 18 cm,
ISBN 0-521-57286-X, GBP 40, $ 59.95 (hb); ISBN 0-521-57603-2,
GBP 14.95, $ 22.95 (pb)
[Contains papers presented at a symposium held at Cornell University in
1994 October on the occasion of Carl Sagan' sixtieth birthday. The
planetary exploration section is mostly historical.]
Review: I.Crawford: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1144, 175-176
Review: W.Jacobs: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 92 (1998) 6, 338
Trinh Xuan Thuan: Die Geburt des Universums. [The birth of the Universe.
- In German] Scientific editor: Dr. Hilmar W. Duerbeck. Ravensburg:
Otto Maier, 1993. 192 p., ISBN 3-473-51039-4, pb DM 19.80;
out of print. (Ravensburger Taschenbuch; Abenteuer Geschichte ; 39)
[Translation of "Le destin de l'Univers. Le big bang, et apres", 1992.
Appendix: Texts and documents from the history of astronomy.]
Webb, Stephen: Mesauring the Universe : The cosmological distance ladder.
London, Berlin, Heidelberg et al.: Springer-Verlag, 1999. xvi, 342 p.,
ISBN 1-85233-106-2, GBP 24.50 (pb)
(Springer-Praxis Series in Astronomy and Astrophysics)
"Published in association with Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK."
[Contains many historically oriented chapters.]
Review: R.O'Brien: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 109 (1999) 5, 290
Webster, Roderick; Webster, Marjorie: Western astrolabes. Chicago, IL:
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, 1998. 179 p., ISBN 1-891220-01-2,
$ 45.00
[Presentation of the collection of astrolabes in the Adler Planetarium
& Astronomy Museum. With a 24-page introduction by Sarah Schechner
Genuth.]
Wheaton, Bruce R.: Inventory of sources for history of twentieth-century
physics. Report and Microfiche Index to 700,000 letters. With the
assistance of Robin E. Rider and the staff of the Office for History of
Science & technology, University of California at Berkeley. Stuttgart:
Verlag fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften und der Technik, 1993.
294 p., 62 Microfiches, ISBN 3-928186-09-4, $ 599.00
[Inventory of letters by and to more than 3600 physicists; 12500 pages;
2000 files in 500 archives in 35 countries.]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition: Emmanuel Davoust,
Hilmar W. Duerbeck, Titus Marwinski.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 43
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 43, July 7, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. History of Scientific Instruments: Awarding of the Paul Bunge Prize
2. NASS 6th Annual International Conference
3. Conference Announcement: Ideas Whose Time Had Come
4. The Stewart Museum Globe Symposium
5. Past conferences 2000
6. New book on historical eclipses
7. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
History of Scientific Instruments: Awarding of the Paul Bunge Prize
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Paul Bunge Prize of the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation is awarded each
year for special achievements in the history of scientific instruments.
This year, two laureates were equally honored with this prize: Dr. Alan
Q. Morton from the London Science Museum as well as Professor Dr. Richard
J. Sorrenson from Indiana University, Bloomington, U.S.A. The prize was
presented on April 12, on the occasion of the Analytica Conference 2000 in
Munich, by the president of the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft
Deutscher Chemiker), Professor Dr. Gerhard Erker.
Honored with the Paul Bunge Prize for his complete historical works on
scientific instruments, Alan Morton has particularly distinguished himself
as the author of a comprehensive and exceptionally commented catalogue of
the instrument collection of King George III on which his fellow curator
Jane Wess has also collaborated. This collection is considered to be the
largest collection of scientific instruments from the 18th Century and
contains also many astronomical instruments. Morton's exceptional
achievement is to have elaborated the great importance of the instruments
for the scientific culture of that time: they were the primary links
between the academics, the artisans, the ruling powers, and the greater
public. In the Age of Enlightenment, the instruments and public
experimental lectures opened up a new forum for the sciences and promoted
acceptance of new knowledge. By linking scientific, social and
instrumental history, Morton succeeded in making the function of the
exhibition pieces and the corresponding scientific ideas accessible to a
wide audience.
Born in 1950, Dr. Morton studied physics and history of science in London
and Oxford and, since 1979, is Senior Curator at the Science Museum in
London, where he is currently responsible for the large energy exhibition
planned for 2001 - 2003.
Richard Sorrenson is honored for his research on the significance of
astronomical and nautical instruments. His first large investigation dealt
with the designers of scientific instruments in the Royal Society of London
in the 18th Century, whereby the decisive role played by this little known
occupational group in the development of modern sciences was clarified for
the very first time. His later research showed seafaring during the great
exploration times to be an important impetus for the design of scientific
instruments and acquisition of new knowledge, not only in the areas of
navigation and optics.
Sorrenson was born in 1961 in Oxford. He first studied chemistry and
physics in Auckland, New Zealand, and then studied history and history of
science in Princeton, U.S.A., where he received his doctorate in 1993. Dr.
Sorrenson is currently Assistant Professor for Scientific History at the
Indiana University in Bloomington.
The Paul Bunge Prize is offered by the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation which
is jointly administered by the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft
Deutscher Chemiker) and the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry
(Deutschen Bunsen-Gesellschaft fuer Physikalische Chemie). The aim of the
foundation is to support science and research in the field of historical
scientific instruments as well as to sponsor talented young scientists in
this area. This award, which has been conferred since 1993, is one of the
largest monetary prizes in scientific history worldwide. Previous
laureates came from Italy, Great Britain, the USA, Australia and Germany.
[Source: Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, Wissenschaftlicher Pressedienst,
Chemie, Press Release 23a/00, http://www.gdch.de/pubrelat/wpd23a00.htm]
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
NASS 6th Annual International Conference
----------------------------------------
August 18-20, 2000 - San Francisco, CA, USA
The sixth annual conference of the North American Sundial Society will be
held at the Cathedral Hill Hotel (www.cathedralhillhotel.com) in downtown
San Francisco - the world's favorite destination city - from August 18
through August 20, 2000. Conference attendees must make their own hotel
reservations directly with the hotel's reservation department (at
800-622-0855). A number of single and double rooms have been set aside at
the special conference rate of $135.00 (plus tax) per night. This rate
applies only to the nights Aug. 17th through Aug. 19th. To ensure
confirmation of the conference rate, you must indicate that you are
attending the North American Sundial Society Conference and you must make
your reservation no later than July 18, 2000. Please note that no
exceptions can be made. After July 18, guests will be accommodated only on
a space and rate available basis. The hotel offers parking at an
additional charge.
We have set aside some time for any conference attendee to speak for 5-10
minutes about his / her favorite dialing project, question or story. If
you have a brief presentation you would like to do, please let us know now
so that we can schedule appropriately. If you have sundials, photos,
books, etc. that you would like to display, please let us know so that we
can arrange to have some table space available.
Please fill out and return the registration form with your check as soon as
possible so that we can get a good count of the number of attendees for
meals, bus tour, etc. Please also note that everyone who participates in
meals, activities, tours or lectures must be appropriately registered; this
policy will assure that the conference is self-supporting and that everyone
is helping fairly to cover the cost of putting it together.
For the convenience of any attendees who may not be able to stay with us
for the full conference, we have three registration plans. Select
registration and meal options for each conference attendee. Add the costs
for all selections together and send your check!
Register Early. See Reg. Reg. Reg.
Application Option A Option B Option C
Form for Option Prices.
Admin Costs, Souvenir, X X X
etc.
Continental Breakfast, X
Fri. & Sun.
Presentations, Friday & X
Sunday
Snacks X
Lunch, Friday (additional X*
cost)
Conference Dinner, Fri. X* X* X*
(additional cost)
Continental Breakfast, X X
Sat. before Tour
Lunch, Saturday X X
Bus Tour, Saturday X X
Registration will take place at the Cathedral Hill Hotel on Thursday
evening (6-8:00 pm) and Friday morning (8-8:30 am). There will be light
refreshments and a door prize at the registration site Thursday - all are
invited.
Friday lunch and dinner are not included in the basic registration fee.
See the form to determine the additional cost for your meal selection.
Prices include 28% Tax & Service Fee. Registration Options A and B include
lunch on the Saturday tour. Saturday dinner is not included.
Call For Papers
The North American Sundial Society hereby issues a call for papers to be
presented at its 6th Annual Conference to be held August 18-20, 2000 in San
Francisco California.
Papers on topics related to sundials, dialing or dialists - whether dealing
with history, art, technology, instruments, theory or current practice, are
welcome!
Presentations should be 15-25 minutes in length and may be published in The
Compendium, the society's quarterly journal.
Please submit title, time requirements, and an abstract of not more than
200 words to
Frederick W. Sawyer III
8 Sachem Drive
Glastonbury CT 06033 USA
fax: 860-403-5295
email: frederick.sawyer.es.72@aya.yale.edu
If you have items for show-and-tell or for display, please provide details
so that appropriate time and space can be allocated. For information on
the conference, address inquiries to NASS at the above address.
Registration Form
Print this form and mail it to the address below.
Registration Options
Before Jul 15 After Jul 15
Reg. A) Regular Registration $130 US $140 US
Reg. B) Partial Registration $ 85 US $ 90 US
Reg. C) Friday Dinner only $ 15 US $ 20 US
Friday Lunch Selection
Lun. 1) Stuffed Chicken
Breast $ 25 US
Lun. 2) Stuffed Filet of
Sole $ 25 US
Lun. 3) Fresh Vegetable
Strudel $ 23 US
Friday Dinner Selection
Din. 4) Prime Rib of Beef $ 38 US
Din. 5) Pan Seared Salmon $ 35 US
Din. 6) Vegetable Ravioli $ 30 US
Please list below the names of all the people you are registering (full,
partial, or dinner only) for the conference. List names as you want them
to appear on nametags. Specify registration and dinner options. Be sure
to include all three fees.
Everyone who participates in meals, activities, tours or lectures must be
registered; this policy will assure that the conference is self-supporting
and that everyone is helping to cover the conference costs. Prices include
28% Tax & Service Fee. Options A and B include lunch on the Saturday tour.
Saturday dinner is not included.
Name: Reg: Lun: Din:
Name: Reg: Lun: Din:
(Checks payable to NASS) Total Fees Enclosed: $ _________
If you have a 5-10 minute presentation you would like us to schedule on
Sunday, please give us a brief description here:
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
If you have sundials, photos, books, etc. that you would simply like to
display, please let us know so that we can arrange to have some table space
available.
------------------------------------------------------------
Please make your check payable to NASS or North American Sundial Society
and mail it with this form to: Fred Sawyer, 8 Sachem Drive, Glastonbury CT
06033 USA.
[Source: http://sundials.org/conference/ ]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Ideas Whose Time Had Come
--------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 50,
22. Juni 2000 2000, Item 3.)
A British Society for the History of Science/Royal Institution conference
at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1X 4BS
Friday, 15 September 2000
The meeting will revisit a classic issue of historiography, that of
simultaneous discovery and invention. The emphasis will be on drawing out
common themes in a series of case studies in a wide range of sciences.
9.30 Registration and Coffee
10.00 J.V. Field (Birkbeck College)
"Perspective"
10.45 Albert van Helden (Rice University)
"Let's look *at* the telescope"
11.30 coffee
12.00 Eberhard Knobloch (University of Berlin)
"Newton's and Leibniz's calculus: why and how did it come
into being?"
12.45 Crosbie Smith (University of Kent)
"Energy conservation as retrospective discovery"
13.30 lunch (cafes around RI)
14.45 Janet Browne (Wellcome Institute)
"'I never saw a more striking coincidence': Darwin and
Wallace revisited"
15.30 Frank James (Royal Institution)
"Experiments whose time had come: the case of Michael Faraday"
16.15 Presentation of the BSHS Dingle Prize to Stevin Shapin
followed by tea
16.45 Robert W. Smith (University of Alberta)
"The expanding universe: power, prestige and the making of
the Hubble constant"
17.00 Whitfield Diffie (Sun Microsystems)
"Secrecy and independent discovery in cryptography"
18.15 Alex Keller (University of Leicester)
"Conclusions?"
18.30 Reception
--------------------------------------------------------------
Booking Form
The registration fee is:
19 pounds for members of BSHS or RI
16 pounds for BSHS student and retired members
22 pounds for non-members
To register, send this form with payment to:
BSHS Executive Secretary
31 High Street
Stanford in the Vale
Faringdon
OXON
SN7 8LH
I wish to register for the meeting "Ideas whose time had come"
I enclose a payment of ________________
_____by cheque (please tick)
or
_____by card (please tick)
If card, my card is Mastercard/Visa/Eurocard (delete as appropriate)
No._______________________________
Expiry Date_______________________
Signature_________________________
Name______________________________
Address___________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
The Stewart Museum Globe Symposium
----------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 50,
22. Juni 2000 2000, Item 5.)
Stewart Museum, Ile Sainte-Helene, Montreal
19-22 October 2000
FIRST CIRCULAR (May 2000)
The Stewart Museum is organizing a symposium concentrating on early
globes, to be held 19-22 October 2000. The symposium will give
participants an
opportunity to hear presentations by various globe experts as well as to
study the 50 terrestrial and celestial globes and 70 globe-related works
in the museum's exhibition of early globes, "Yes! The World is Round."
Invited speakers will include Peter van der Krogt and Elly Dekker from
The Netherlands, Catherine Hofmann and Christian Jacob from France, Jan
Mokre from Vienna, and Robert Derome, an art historian from Montreal.
The registration fee which will include lunches and dinners during the
symposium is $285 (Canadian). The registration deadline is 8 September
2000. (If space is still available after that date, the fee will be $325.)
Participation will be limited to 75 persons.
English will be the principal language of the symposium.
In order to receive the second circular and registration form, please
contact the globe symposium secretary:
Nadia Hammadi - nhammadi@stewart-museum.org
Stewart Museum, PO Box 1200, Station A, Montreal (Qc), H3C 2Y9, Canada
Tel: (514) 861-6703, ext. 260 / Fax: (514) 284-0123
Please feel free to contact one of the three symposium organizers for
further information:
Ed Dahl - edahl@iosphere.net
Jean-Francois Gauvin - jfgauvin@stewart-museum.org
Eileen Meillon - emeillon@stewart-museum.org
[Text provided by Jean-Francois Gauvin.]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
Past conferences 2000
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 50,
22. Juni 2000 2000, Item 7.)
Further conferences in the year 2000 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the following
URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
April 10-15, 2000, Rome, Italy
Societa Astronomica Italiana, XLIV Congresso Nazionale
With a history of astronomy session
URL: http://www.mporzio.astro.it/~sait2000/
April 29-May 2, 2000, Long Beach, CA, USA
April Meeting 2000 of the American Physical Society
Session Q22: FHP: New Perspectives on the Development of Ancient Astronomy
URLs: http://www.aps.org/meet/APR00/
http://www.aps.org/meet/APR00/baps/abs/S5810.html
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
New book on historical eclipses
-------------------------------
Observations and Predictions of Eclipse Times by Early Astronomers
by
John M. Steele
Dept. of Physics, University of Durham, UK
(ARCHIMEDES New Studies in the History and Philosophy of Science and
Technology Volume 4)
Eclipses have long been seen as important celestial phenomena, whether as
omens affecting the future of kingdoms, or as useful astronomical events to
help in deriving essential parameters for theories of the motion of the
moon and sun. This is the first book to collect together all presently
known records of timed eclipse observations and predictions from antiquity
to the time of the invention of the telescope. In addition to cataloguing
and assessing the accuracy of the various records, which come from regions
as diverse as Ancient Mesopotamia, China, and Europe, the sources in which
they are found are described in detail. Related questions such as what
type of clocks were used to time the observations, how the eclipse
predictions were made, and how these prediction schemes were derived from
the available observations are also considered. The results of this
investigation have important consequences for how we understand the
relationship between observation and theory in early science and the role
of astronomy in early cultures, and will be of interest to historians of
science, astronomers, and ancient and medieval historians.
Contents:
Preface. I: Introductory Orientations. 1. Introduction.
II: The Western Heritage. 2. Mesopotamia. 3. The Greco-Roman World.
4. The Islamic Near East. 5. Late Medieval and Renaissance Europe.
III: The Eastern Heritage. 6. China. 7. Japan. IV: Conclusions.
8. Discussion. V: Appendices. References. Subject Index. Index of
Texts.
Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht
Hardbound, ISBN 0-7923-6298-5
June 2000, 336 pp.
NLG 270.00 / USD 132.00 / GBP 84.00
Available direct from the publishers at
http://www.wkap.nl/book.htm/0-7923-6298-5
and from booksellers.
[Text provided by John M. Steele, e-mail: J.M.Steele@durham.ac.uk]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 48,
7. April 2000, Item 7. Partial translations by the editor.)
Abt, Helmut A. (Ed.): The Astrophysical Journal. American Astronomical
Society Centennial Issue. Selected fundamental papers published this
century in The Astronomical Journal and The Astrophysical Journal.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1999. ix, 1283 p., 22 x 29 cm,
ISBN 0-226-00185-7, $50.00 (hb) (The Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 525,
No. 1C, Part 3)
[Reprints of 53 papers published between 1905 and 1990, each accompanied
by contemporary commentary that explains the impact it had. More
information: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/front.html (for Table of
Contents see the Centennial Issue Order Form, given as PDF file).]
Barton, Tamsyn: Ancient astrology. London, New York: Routledge, 1994.
xxvi, 245 p., GBP 12.99 (pb)
Review: J.D.North: J. Hist. Astron. 27 (1996) 1, 81-82
Borsdorf, Ulrich; Korff, Gottfried; Steiner, Juerg; Hausmann, Walter
(Hrsg.): Sonne, Mond und Sterne. Kultur und Natur der Energie. Katalog
zur Ausstellung auf der Kokerei Zollverein in Essen, 13. Mai bis 13.
September 1999. [Sun, Moon and Stars. Culture and nature of energy.
Catalogue of the exhibition in the Kokerei Zollverein in Essen, 13 May
to 13 September 1999. - In German]
Bottrop: Verlag Peter Pomp, 1999. 352 p., numerous ill.,
25 x 21 cm, ISBN 3-89355-194-8, hardbound DM 29.80
[Describes also many astronomical exhibits, among them astronomical
experiments.]
Crowe, Michael J.; Dyke, D.R.; Kevin, J.R. (Ed.): A calendar of the
correspondence of Sir John Herschel. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1998. 828 p., 21.5 x 28 cm, ISBN 0-521-63149-1, GBP 100.00,
$ 150.00 (hb)
[Documentation for 14,815 letters written by or to John Herschel.
Includes a biographical register for about 1500 of Herschel's
correspondents, and index with 30,000 references, and bibliographies of
Herschel's publications and publications about him.]
Review: B.Warner: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1150, 157-158
Droessler, Rudolf: 2000 Jahre Weltuntergang : Himmelserscheinungen und
Weltbilder in apokalyptischer Deutung. [2000 years End of the World :
Celestial events and world views in apolalyptic interpretation. - In
German] Wuerzburg: Echter Verlag, 1999. 184 p., 24 colour plates,
ca. 100 b/w ill., 23 x 30 cm, ISBN 3-429-02097-2, hardbound DM 98.00
Review: A.Zenkert: Astron. Raumfahrt 36 (1999) 4 [53], 22
Habison, Peter; Schultz, Ruediger: Phantasie und Wirklichkeit : Eine Reise
zu den Mythen der Sternbilder. [Phantasy and reality : A journey to the
myths of the constallations. - In German] Vienna: Verband Wiener
Volksbildung, 1999. 56 p., 7 ill., 21 x 14,7 cm, ISBN 3-900799-24-5,
paperback OeS 50.00 (Edition Kuffner-Sternwarte)
Rienitz, Joachim: Historisch-physikalische Entwicklungslinien optischer
Instrumente. Von der Magie zur partiellen Kohaerenz. [Historical and
physical lines of development of optical instruments. From magic to
partial coherence. - In German] Lengerich, Berlin, Riga, Rom, Vienna,
Zagreb: Pabst Science Publishers, 1999. 305 p., ill., 15 x 21 cm,
ISBN 3-934252-13-3, paperback DM 60.00
[Also about the early history of the telescope and on astronomical items.]
Schmadel, Lutz D.: Dictionary of Minor Planet Names. 3d ed. Berlin:
Springer-Verlag, 1997. XIV, 939 p., ISBN 3-540-61747-7, DM 168.00 (hb)
Review: A.Fitzsimmons: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1141, 381
Schmadel, Lutz D.: Dictionary of Minor Planet Names. 4th ed. Berlin,
Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 1999. XV, 1319 p., 5 figs., 2 tabs.,
ISBN 3-540-66292-8, DM 249.00 (hb), with CD-ROM.
[Contains the relevanten published up to June 1999 (Planets (1) to
(10666)). The CD-ROM allows to view through an Internet browser the
updates at a special server at Springer free of charge.]
Schmadel, Lutz D.: Dictionary of Minor Planet Names. 4th ed. CD-ROM.
Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 1999. ISBN 3-540-14814-0, DM 85.00
Stautz, Burkhard: Untersuchungen von mathematisch-astronomischen
Darstellungen auf mittelalterlichen Astrolabien islamischer und
europaeischer Herkunft. [Investigations of mathematical and astronomical
depictions on medieval astrolabes of Islamic and European origin. - In
German] Bassum: Verlag fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften und der
Technik, 1997. 287 p., numerous ill., 23.5 x 15.5 cm, ISBN 3-928186-29-9,
hardbound DM 95.00. Also: Frankfurt (Main), Univ., Diss., 1995.
Review: M.Schukowski: Astron. Raumfahrt 35 (1998) 44 (2/98), 27
Review: P.Kunitzsch: Ber. Wissenschaftsgesch. 22 (1999) 1, 62-63
Stautz, Burkhard: Die Astrolabiensammlungen des Deutschen Museums und des
Bayerischen Nationalmuseums. [The collections of astrolabes of the
Deutsches Museums and of the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum. - In German]
Munich, Vienna: R. Oldenbourg Verlag, 2000. X, 425 p., ISBN 3-486-26479-6,
paperback DM 100.00
(Abhandlungen und Berichte / Deutsches Museum, N.F. ; 12)
Teichmann, Juergen: Wandel des Weltbildes. Astronomie, Physik und
Messtechnik in der Kulturgeschichte. [Changes of the world view. Astronomy,
physics and measuring techniques in cultural history. - In German] 4th ed.
Stuttgart, Leipzig: B.G.Teubner Verlagsgesellschaft, 1999. 231 p.,
106 ill., 20.5 x 13.7 cm, ISBN 3-519-00286-8, paperback DM 28.00
(Einblicke in die Wissenschaft: Astronomie)
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information and help we thank:
Peter de Clercq, Dana A. Freiburger, Jean-Francois Gauvin, Peter Habison,
Joachim Rienitz, Lutz D. Schmadel, Burkhard Stautz, John M. Steele,
University of Chicago Press (Susan Constantin).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 44
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 44, October 6, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. The Stewart Museum Globe Symposium - Programme
2. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin Centenary Symposium
3. Annual Meeting of the History of Science Society
4. Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
5. SEAC 2001: Annual Meeting of the European Society for Astronomy in
Culture
6. Symposium on Michael Maestlin - short announcement
7. The Herbert C. Pollock Award
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
The Stewart Museum Globe Symposium - Programme
----------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 52,
6. Oktober 2000, Item 3.)
Stewart Museum, Ile Sainte-Helene, Montreal
19-22 October 2000
(Programme as of 20 July 2000)
Thursday - 19 October 2000
6:00 p.m. Registration and reception (1195 Sherbrooke Street West)
Friday - 20 October 2000
8:30 a.m. Symposium registration and opening (Grande Poudriere,
Ile Sainte-Helene)
9:15 a.m. "Looking at the Earth from Outer Space: Ancient Views
on the Power of Globes" Christian Jacob, Centre National de la
Recherche Scientifique, Paris
10:30 a.m. "'The Doctrine of the Sphere': A Forgotten Chapter in
the History of Terrestrial and Celestial Globes" Elly Dekker,
Linschoten, The Netherlands
12:00 noon Introduction to the globe exhibition, viewing and lunch
2:00 p.m. "La symbolique du globe dans les arts graphiques en
Occident, XVIe-XVIIIe siecle : la lecon des livres d'emblemes et
d'iconologie" Catherine Hofmann, Departement des cartes et
plans, Bibliotheque nationale de France (to be presented in
French; English translation will be available)
3:20 p.m. "An Art Historian's Approach to Globes" Robert Derome,
departement d'histoire de l'art, Universite du Quebec a Montreal
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Viewing of exhibition
7:00 p.m. Dinner (Festin du Gouverneur)
Saturday - 21 October 2000
9:00 a.m. "Globe Production in the Low Countries and Its Impact
in Europe, 1525-1650" Peter van der Krogt, University of
Utrecht, The Netherlands
10:30 a.m. "Celestial Globes: Origins and Innovations" Elly Dekker,
Linschoten, The Netherlands
1:30 p.m. "La restauration des globes anciens : la reintegration des
lacunes" Alain Roger, restaurateur, chef de travaux d'art,
Bibliotheque nationale de France (to be presented in French;
English translation will be available)
4:00 p.m. Leave by bus for the Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal
7:00 p.m. Reception and dinner
Sunday - 22 October 2000
9:30 a.m. "More than just Spheres: A Curator's Vision for a New
Globe Museum in Vienna" Jan Mokre, Curator of the Globe
Museum, Austrian National Library, Vienna
11:00 a.m. Symposium wrap-up session and discussion
12:30 p.m. Farewell lunch
The registration fee, which will include lunches and dinners during the
symposium, is $285 (Canadian). This fee also includes a complimentary copy
of the lavishly illustrated book, _Sphaerae Mundi: Early Globes at the
Stewart Museum_ (retail: $50 CDN). The registration deadline is 8
September 2000. (If space is still available after that date, the fee will
be $325).
Participation will be limited to 75 persons. English will be the principal
language of the symposium.
For further information concerning such matters as accommodation, and in
order to receive the registration form, please contact the globe symposium
secretary:
Nadia Hammadi - nhammadi@stewart-museum.org
Stewart Museum, PO Box 1200, Station A, Montreal (Qc), H3C 2Y9, Canada
Tel: (514)861-6703, ext. 260 / Fax: (514)284-0123
Please feel free to contact one of the three symposium organizers for
further information:
Ed Dahl - edahl@iosphere.net
Jean-Francois Gauvin - jfgauvin@stewart-museum.org
Eileen Meillon - emeillon@stewart-museum.org
[Text provided by Jean-Francois Gauvin.]
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin Centenary Symposium
--------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 52,
6. Oktober 2000, Item 4.)
On 26-27 October 2000 a centenary symposium in honor of Cecilia
Payne-Gaposchkin will be held at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
Astrophysics.
Cecilia Helena Payne-Gaposchkin was the second woman to become a fully
tenured professor in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard (the first
in the natural sciences), and simultaneously the first woman department
chairman. Born and educated in England, she came to America in 1923 to
seek wider opportunities in her chosen science, astronomy. At Harvard
College Observatory she wrote what the eminent astrophysicist Otto Struve
later called "the most brilliant PhD thesis ever written in astronomy," and
in 1934 the dean of American astronomers, Henry Norris Russell, wrote that
the best candidate in America to be his successor at Princeton "alas, is a
woman!", an obvious reference to Cecilia Payne in an age when neither
Harvard nor Princeton would have dared to consider a woman faculty member.
Not until the 1950s would Harvard finally have the temerity to appoint a
woman to a regular Arts and Sciences faculty position.
This autumn, in the centennial year of her birth, the Harvard-Smithsonian
Center for Astrophysics will host a symposium in her honor. The program of
speakers includes former students, family, old friends, and experts on
topics related to her astrophysical interests, which encompassed among
others stellar spectroscopy, variable stars and photometry, galactic
structure and stellar evolution. The proceedings will be published by the
L. Davis Press. The organizing committee consists of Owen Gingerich,
Andrea Dupree, Kathy Haramundanis, Dave Latham, Dave Philip, and Virginia
Trimble.
Registered participants are invited to join us for a reception and banquet
on Thursday evening at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in
Cambridge. The reception starts at 6:00 p.m. and the meal will be served
at 7:00 p.m. The meal choices are Grilled Chilean Seabass, Seared
Lambchops, or Vegetarian. This event is partially sponsored, so the cost
to participants is only $45.
Please register at http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/cpg/regform.html if you wish
to participate. The deadline is 18 October 2000.
- $5 for a name badge and Friday morning coffee
- $8 late registration for a name badge and Friday morning coffee
after 18 October
- $30 for badge, coffee, Friday box lunch, and symposium volume
- $45 for the Thursday evening reception and banquet at the American
Academy (actual cost $115)
If you have difficulty with the registration form, mail your check and
registration information to
CPG Centenary Registration MS-15
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
60 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
More information is available at the Symposium Website:
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/cpg/
More information about Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (1900-1979) can be
found at:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/persons/pers_payne-gaposchkin.html
[This text is based on the symposium's website. Thanks to Larry Klaes
for drawing my attention to this symposium by sending a CfA Press Release
to HASTRO-L.]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
Annual Meeting of the History of Science Society
------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 52,
6. Oktober 2000, Item 5.)
The annual meeting of the History of Science Society will be held in
Vancouver, Canada, November 2-5, 2000. Among the sessions scheduled are
three which should appeal to historians of astronomy:
"Cultures of 20th-Century Astronomy," with papers by Matthew Stanley,
Keith R. Lafortune, Abha Sur, David P.D. Munns, and JoAnn Palmeri, Friday,
November 3
"Astronomy and Its Histories: A Session in Honor of Owen Gingerich," with
papers by Robert S. Westman, Sara Schechner, James R. Voelkel / Owen
Gingerich, and Joann Eisberg, Saturday, November 4
"Theory Comes West: The Beginnings of Theoretical Astrophysics in Western
America," with presentations by David DeVorkin, Donald Osterbrock, and
Karl Hufbauer, Saturday, November 4
Contact address:
HSS Executive Office
Attn: Vancouver Meeting
University of Washington, Box 351330
Seattle, WA 98195-1330
USA
Telephone: (206) 543-9366 (during regular business hours,
Pacific Coast time)
FAX: (206) 685-9544
E-mail: hssexec@u.washington.edu
More information on the meeting can be obtained from the website at
http://depts.washington.edu/hssexec/annual/
During the History of Science Society meeting the Special Interest Group
for the history of astronomy will meet on the evening of Friday, November
3. Contacts: Marc Rothenberg, e-mail: rothenbergm@osia.si.edu
[Based on the meeting's website and on a message sent by Marc Rothenberg
to HASTRO-L.]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
--------------------------------------------
The Fifth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop will be held July 5-8,
2001 at the University of Notre Dame. The workshop is sponsored by Notre
Dame's Graduate Program in History and Philosophy of Science, Notre Dame's
Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values, the History of Astronomy
Special Interest Group of the History of Science Society, and the
Historical Astronomy Division of the American Astronomical Society.
Steven Dick and Marc Rothenberg are program co-chairs. Persons wishing to
present work in progress papers or poster papers should submit a title and
abstract of approximately 200 words to one of the program co-chairs by Feb.
15, 2001, indicating preference for oral or poster presentation. Proposals
will be accepted in a number of forms, but because the abstracts of papers
accepted for the conference will appear on the conference website, we
prefer electronic submissions. Write either Steven J. Dick, U.S. Naval
Observatory, 3450 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20392-5420,
USA, E-mail: dick.steve@usno.navy.mil, tel. 202-762-0379; or Marc
Rothenberg, Joseph Henry Papers Project, Smithsonian Institution Archives,
Washington, DC 20560-0429, USA, E-mail: josephhenr@aol.com.
The local arrangements chair for the workshop is Matt Dowd, who can be
reached at Graduate Program in History and Philosophy of Science, Univ. of
Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, or E-mail: Matthew.F.Dowd.11@nd.edu.
Persons wishing to register should contact: Astronomy, Center for
Continuing Education, Univ. of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, E-mail:
cce.cce.1@nd.edu. The registration fee of $75 includes the cost of the
banquet. Housing is available in new air conditioned dormitories at $29
per night for a single, $23 per night for a double.
The conference will include a book exhibit and display tables.
Participants are welcome to bring materials to display. Contact Matt Dowd
with regard to how much space will be needed.
Regarding transportation, flights come to the South Bend from a number of
major cities. Persons arriving via Chicago can take the United Limo Bus,
which runs from the United Terminal at O'Hare Airport directly to the Notre
Dame campus. Round-trip fare is $57. For a schedule and reservations,
call United Limo at (800)833-5555. For those driving, ample parking is
available. A campus map and parking information will be sent in the CCE
information packet.
To supply periodically updated information and a downloadable registration
form, Matt Dowd has prepared a webpage for the workshop:
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/ndvinfo/
The sixty-five historians of astronomy who attended the Fourth Biennial
History of Astronomy Workshop, held at Notre Dame in July, 1999, praised
the lively and informed sessions, the comfortable and informal atmosphere,
and the reasonable room rates.
[Based on a message sent by Steven J. Dick to HASTRO-L.]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
SEAC 2001: Annual Meeting of the European Society for Astronomy in Culture
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholm, August 27-30, 2001
Program and general information
Date and location: SEAC 2001 will be held 27-30 August 2001, at the Old
Observatory in the centre of Stockholm. The observatory is now a museum
run by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is within easy reach of
hotels, restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, etc., many with moderate to low
prices.
Theme for the conference: Symbols, calendars and orientations: legacies
of astronomy in culture The theme for the present conference capitalises on
the opportunity to provide deeper acquaintance with the early Swedish
evidence for astronomical knowledge: rock art representations of celestial
phenomena and also symbolic and functional orientations to celestial
events, some of which give information about early ritual calendars. At
the same time the conference, as usual, remains open for papers on new and
on-going projects.
Preliminary program: Three keynote talks are planned relating to Swedish
archaeology and history of astronomy. Aside from the keynote talks, each
paper will be allotted 25 minutes with an additional 5 minutes for
questions.
Sunday, 26 August:
arrival in Stockholm
Monday, 27 August:
registration 8:30-10:00 with coffee
morning session 10-13
lunch 13-14
afternoon session 14-19, with break for coffee
reception
Tuesday, 28 August:
morning session 9-13, with break for coffee
excursion to the Royal Burial Mounds at Old Uppsala 13-19, with lunch
Wednesday, 29 August:
morning session 9-13, with break for coffee
lunch 13-14
afternoon session 14-19, with break for
coffee
Thursday, 30 August:
morning session 9-13, with break for coffee
lunch 13-14
afternoon session 14-16, followed by coffee
SEAC business meeting 16-18
Friday and Saturday, 31 August-1 September:
two-day optional excursion to Norrkoping and Falbygden to see examples
of Swedish rock art and megalithic tombs
Proposed topics for sessions (suggestions for other topics are welcomed by
the local organising committee):
- Theoretical and methodological perspectives
- Influence of astronomy in art
- Megalithic tombs and their astronomical relationships
- Ritual calendars
- Origins of the constellations
- Reports on new and continuing research
Travel: All major European airlines fly into Arlanda Airport, which is 45
kilometres north of Stockholm. Ryan Air is a low-price alternative. Buses
leave frequently for the train station in Stockholm and, on request, the
bus drivers will order a taxi to be waiting at the station. Current fares
are SEK 60 for bus fare and SEK 160 for bus and taxi within central
Stockholm. Taxi fare from Arlanda to any of the hotels or hostels which
will be recommended by the LOC is SEK 350. This means that a taxi shared
by two or more persons is a good alternative to the bus. Train fare into
Stockholm from Arlanda is SEK 120.
Lodging: An effort will be made to offer hotels and hostels with moderate
prices. These will be announced in November when prices have been set for
2001.
Registration deadlines: The deadlines are 31 March 2001 for early
registration (with reduced registration fee) and 4 May 2001 for final
registration. Registration forms will be provided in November when hotel
prices for 2001 can be offered.
Registration fees: To cover the cost of refreshments, the excursion to Old
Uppsala and minor expenses, there will be a registration fee of 400 Swedish
crowns (SEK) for members from western European countries. Fees paid before
30 March 2001 are reduced to SEK 350. No fee will be required of members
from countries which make them eligible for reduced membership rates. All
accompanying persons will be charged a fee of SEK 400. Final date for
registration and payment of fees is 4 May 2001.
Grants: We hope to be able to offer a few grants to postgraduate students
from western Europe and to students/colleagues from eastern Europe. More
information will follow in the autumn.
Submission of abstracts: The selection of papers will be made on the basis
of an extended abstract of 500-1000 words. These are to be submitted
preferably by Friday, 30 March 2001 and at the latest by Friday, 4 May 2001
which is also the final date for registration. The language of the
conference is English.
Publication of the Proceedings: The Proceedings will be edited by the LOC.
We hope to be able to allot 12 pages to the keynote speakers and 8 pages to
the other conference participants. 1 December 2001 is a firm deadline for
manuscripts. Guide lines will be published later. All articles will be
refereed.
Local Organising Committee:
Mary Blomberg, Department of archaeology and ancient history,
Uppsala university, e-mail: mary.blomberg@antiken.uu.se
Goran Henriksson, Astronomical Observatory, Uppsala university,
e-mail: goran.henriksson@astro.uu.se
Peter Blomberg, Department of archaeology and ancient history,
Uppsala university, e-mail: mary.blomberg@antiken.uu.se
More information is available at the website
http://mikrob.com/SEAC2001/
[Based on the website. Thanks to Mary Blomberg for drawing my attention
to this.]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
Symposium on Michael Maestlin - short announcement
--------------------------------------------------
On October 11-13, 2000, the Facultaty of Physics of the University of
Tuebingen in Germany organizes a symposium on Michael Maestlin with
papers presented by F. Rex, J. Hamel, M. Schramm, G. Grasshoff, F. Seck,
J. Smolka, G. Betsch, K. Reich, V. Bialas, and M. Wischnath. A tour
through the town will lead the participants to places from the life and
work of Maestlin and his contemporaries.
For the programme, see the extended announcement in EMA Nr. 52,
6. Oktober 2000, Item 2 (http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/ema/).
For more information, contact: Dr. G. Betsch, Furtbrunnen 17,
D-71093 Weil i.S., Germany, Tel. 07157-64059,
E-Mail: Gerhard.Betsch@t-online.de
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 44, October 6, 2000
...........................................................................
The Herbert C. Pollock Award
----------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 52,
6. Oktober 2000, Item 6.)
The Herbert C. Pollock Award was established by the Dudley Observatory to
honor the long service of Dr. Pollock as a member and past President of
the Dudley Observatory Board of Trustees.
The purpose of the Award is to provide encouragement and support for an
innovative project in the history of astronomy or astrophysics, to be
undertaken by a faculty member, research associate, or postdoctoral
associated with a college, university, nonprofit research institution or
observatory located in North America. Applications from persons meeting
the other requirements, who are not currently affiliated with any
institution will also be considered. Lists of past winners of the Pollock
Award and their project titles may be found on the next page.
Special consideration will be given to proposals that involve the use of
the Dudley Observatory Archives, the Dudley Collection of early
astronomical works housed at Union College or the Benjamin A. Gould, Jr.
library held by Dudley Observatory.
The Award consists of a maximum of $5,000 to be distributed in the year of
the Award. A recipient of the Pollock Award may not reapply for a new
award for three years.
Application Procedures
The application should include the following parts:
1.) A descriptive title with a brief account of the project, not to exceed
four pages. The description should permit a selection committee of
historians and other scholars to judge what is proposed and how completion
of the project would contribute to historical knowledge.
2.) A one-page nontechnical "executive summary" of the project to be
evaluated by non-historians.
3.) A budget showing how the Award funds would be spent, together with a
description of the applicant's current funding and the funding agency, if
any, for present work. - No Overhead Charges will be permitted.
4.) A biographical sketch and personal bibliography - not to exceed four
pages.
5.) The names and affiliations of two scientists or other scholars who may
be contacted by the Selection Committee, should the need arise, as well as
the name of the applicant's supervisor or Department Chair. Letters of
support should not be included with the application.
The complete application must be received by Dudley Observatory by
December 4, 2000.
Applications should be mailed to:
Dudley Observatory
Suite 201
107 Nott Terrace
Schenectady, New York 12308
USA
Selection Procedures
The Pollock Award Selection Committee will make recommendations to the
Board of Trustees of the Dudley Observatory following review of the
applications. The recipient of the Pollock Award will be announced in
January, 2001.
Fliers giving details for the Award will be available by the end of
September, and will be sent to all who request them. To be added to our
mailing list, contact George Wise, Administrator, Dudley Observatory, at
Dudley@union.edu.
For further information contact Dudley Observatory:
Suite 201
107 Nott Terrace
Schenectady, New York 12308
USA
Phone: (518) 382-7583
Fax: (518) 382-7584
e-mail: dudley@union.edu
URL: www.dudleyobservatory.org
[Based on http://www.dudleyobservatory.org/pollock_award.htm .
Thanks to Steve McCluskey who forwarded a message by Nancy Langford to
HASTRO-L.]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For providing information for the newsletter I am indebted to
Gerhard Betsch, Mary Blomberg, and Jean-Francois Gauvin.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 45
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 45, April 11, 2001 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Conference Announcement: European Astronomy in the 20th Century
2. Conference Announcement: Cosmology through Time
3. Conference Announcement:
Astronomy and Mathematics in the Ancient Near East
4. 20th Scientific Instrument Symposium
5. Conference announcement: Tycho Brahe and Prague
6. Further Conferences in 2001
7. Past Meetings
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: European Astronomy in the 20th Century
---------------------------------------------------------------
Special Colloquium on the History of Astronomy
"European Astronomy in the 20th Century"
in the framework of the
Joint European and National Astronomical Meeting for 2001
J E N A M - 2001
10th European and 75th Annual Assembly of Astronomische Gesellschaft
September 10-14, 2001, Munich, Germany
First announcement and call for papers
The European meeting of astronomers to be held in September 2001 in
Munich will give the opportunity to review the development of astronomy in
Europe during the last century. Emphasis will be made on the evolution of
ideas, instruments and scientific results, although the history of
institutions and biographies of astronomers may also be considered.
The colloquium is being organized by the Working Group for the History
of Astronomy in the Astronomische Gesellschaft, who invited other European
astronomers to the SOC.
Scientific Organizing Committee - SOC:
Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Dr. Izold Pustylnik, Toravere/Tartu, Estonia, e-mail: izold@aai.ee
Dr. Helmut Steinle, Garching, Germany, e-mail: hcs@mpe.mpg.de
Dr. Christiaan L. Sterken, Brussels, Belgium, e-mail:
csterken@vub.ac.be
Local Organizing Committee - LOC:
Dr. Helmut Steinle
Contact address:
Dr. Helmut Steinle
Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik
Postfach 1312
85741 Garching
Germany
E-mail : hcs@mpe.mpg.de
WWW : http://www.mpe.mpg.de/hcs/
Phone : (49) 89 30000 3374
Fax : (49) 89 30000 3569
Location: Campus of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich,
located well in the city centre of Munich.
Time: Friday, September 14: 14.00-15.30 and 16.00-17.30
Saturday, September 15: 9.00-10.30 and 11.00-12.30
Arrival and Departure, Accommodation:
See the according pages at the JENAM-20001 web site:
http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/english/conferences/jenam01/
or ask for the Second Announcement of JENAM-2001 at
car@mpa-garching.mpg.de
In addition we want to warn you that following the meeting, the
world-famous Oktoberfest starts and thus accommodation in and arround
Munich may be very hard to find. So please make reservations as soon as
possible!
Call for Papers:
Both oral and poster contributions will be accepted. However, oral
papers have to address the main theme of the colloquium, whereas posters
may also deal with other topics from the history of astronomy in general.
The SOC reserves the right to accept the contributions and to decide on the
type of the presentation (oral or poster).
Oral Papers
Any author must send an abstract until the deadline
July 1, 2001 (deadline for oral abstracts).
The abstracts have to be submitted electronically to the
publication editor of Astronomische Gesellschaft, Dr. R. Schielicke
(schie@astro.uni-jena.de), and to Dr. H. Steinle (hcs@mpe.mpg.de).
Poster Papers
Any poster author must send an abstract until the deadline
July 13, 2001 (deadline for poster abstracts).
The poster abstracts have to be submitted electronically to the
publication editor of Astronomische Gesellschaft, Dr. R. Schielicke
(schie@astro.uni-jena.de), and to Dr. H. Steinle (hcs@mpe.mpg.de).
The abstracts have to submitted in LaTeX format. A Tex-Macro can be
downloaded: http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/agamacro.tex
Please contact the LOC if you are not able to submit your abstract in
LaTeX.
All abstracts of accepted talks and posters will be published in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft Abstract Series and available through the ADS
well before the conference.
Registration and Registration Fees:
For participants of the general JENAM-2001 conference who also want
to attend this Special Colloquium, please see the JENAM-2001 web site
or the JENAM-2001 Second Announcement (see above).
Whether it will also be possible to attend this Special Colloquium
alone is still under negotiation. Further information will be available in
the second announcement.
Financial Assistance:
No financial support of any kind can be provided by the organizers
of this Special Colloquium. Please see the JENAM - 2001 web site for
possible financial assistance to participants of JENAM-2001 in general
(please note the deadline: April 30).
Events:
We will try to organize tours to places of interest for historians of
astronomy in Munich and surroundings, e.g.
European Southern Observatory headquarters (ESO)
Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik (MPE)
Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Ludwig-Maximilian
University Munich (USM)
Deutsches Museum
Benediktbeuern and J. Fraunhofer's glass production site
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Cosmology through Time
-----------------------------------------------
International Meeting
Astronomical Observatory of Rome
Monteporzio Catone, June, 17-21, 2001
COSMOLOGY THROUGH TIME / LA COSMOLOGIA NEL TEMPO
(Ancient and Modern Cosmologies in the Mediterranean Area)
SOC: Bertola, F., Bono, G., Bonoli, F., Buonanno, R., Capaccioli, M.,
Castellani, V., Cham-Cham, K., Fodera`-Serio, G., Malik, A.,
Panaino, A., Picchioni, S.
LOC: Colafrancesco, S. (chair), Amendola, L., D'Alessio, F., Giobbi, G.,
Menci, N., Monaco, G.
Organizers: Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Osservatorio Astronomico di
Capodimonte, Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo, * Egyptian Embassy,
Societa Astronomica Italiana, * Lybian Embassy, Universita` di Roma
"Tor Vergata", Universite`Hassan II Ain-Chock - Casablanca,
* Moroccan Embassy, Istituto Italiano per l'Africa e L'Oriente,
Associazione per l'Amicizia Italo-Araba, AlmaMed, ESCO
* = Possible Co-Organizer
Language
========
The Conference official language is English. Special sessions will be held
in Italian.
Aim of the Meeting
==================
Nowadays, we regard cosmology as a modern science, but cosmological
thoughts have been part of humanity throughout history. All cultures have
a cosmology, because such questions have been asked by all peoples for as
long as we have wondered at the stars. The explanations have varied from
culture to culture, and from time to time, but all of them seek to impose
an order upon the cosmos, so as to make it accessible to the human mind.
This is just as true of scientific as of pre-scientific cosmologies.
Astronomy has been one of the main scientific areas (the mother of sciences
in the Arab tradition) to investigate physical laws using Mathematics since
the beginning of early scientific developments. And yet, there is more to
it. Astronomy, being the most immediate and useful area of Science at our
disposal, had the power to link different civilizations, cultures and
religions throughout the evolution of humankind.
While Astronomy withered in Medieval Europe, it flourished in Islam.
Renaissance astronomers learned from the texts of Islamic scholars who had
preserved and transformed the Science of the Ancient Greek and Arab
cultures.
Modern Cosmology originates from this historical stage of cultural
revolution which brought new scientific concepts into the mathematical
framework of Islamic Astronomy.
The Mediterranean area has been the cradle of modern Astronomy and
Cosmology and still retains the connections between Ancient and Modern
Cosmology.
This meeting wants to re-discover these ties in the light of our current
knowledge of the Universe, of the origin of time and space, in the spirit
of the ancient travellers guided by the stars.
IMPORTANT DATES:
January 20th, 2001: First announcement
March 1st, 2001: Second announcement
April 2nd, 2001: Registration and Contribution through web
May 2nd, 2001: Deadline for Hotel Booking
May 15th, 2001: Final announcement and program
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Scientific Secretary
Dr. Giuliana Giobbi
Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Via Frascati 33,
I-00040 Monte Porzio Catone - Roma - Italy
Fax +39-069447243
email: cosmo01@coma.mporzio.astro.it
TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED:
- Ancient Astronomy, Early Cosmology
- The Role of Astronomy in the development of Cultures in the
Mediterranean area
- Astronomy, Astrology and Religions in the Early Epochs
- Astronomy, Time and Travels
- Historical and scientific outline
- Ancient cosmologies
Cosmologies of the Mesopotamic area
Cosmologies of the ancient Egypt
Cosmology of the Hebrews
The vision of the Universe in ancient Greece
- The origin of Cosmology and Astronomy in the Arab culture
Traditional science in Arabia
Astronomy, astrology and religion
Mathematical astronomy and its techniques
- Schools of Arab Astronomy
Iraq and Iran
Egypt, Syria, Yemen
Maghreb
The Impact of Arab culture in Spain
- From Early to Modern Cosmology
The Arab Heritage and the Origin of Modern Astronomy
Medieval European Cosmologies
Dante's Cosmology and Christian Cosmology
- The origin of Modern Cosmology
- Philosophy and the Structure of Scientific Knowledge
- Scientific Revolutions and the idea of the World
- The idea of the World after the advent of Quantum Mechanics:
Quantum Physics and Cosmology
- The pillars of Modern Cosmology
- The Anthropic Principle and Modern Cosmology
- Time, Space and Energy in Modern Cosmology
- Cosmology, Astrology and Religions nowadays
- Archeo-Astronomy in the Mediterranean area
- Contemporary Astronomy and Cosmology in the Mediterranean area
SPECIAL EVENTS:
* V. Castellani - Conferenza Pubblica
* S. Rossi Esser - Letture in italiano di poesie di Hildegarde von Bingen
* Inaugurazione dell'AstroLab presso l'Osservatorio Astronomico
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Oral contributions are accepted by specialists of the topics listed above.
A preliminary title and abstract are requested.
Deadline for contributions: APRIL 2, 2001.
REGISTRATIONS:
Please fill in and send by e-mail the registration form at:
http://www.mporzio.astro.it/cosmo2001/registration.html
Deadline for registrations: APRIL 2, 2001.
PROCEEDINGS & FEES:
The Conference Proceedings will be published.
Further informations about Registration fees, social events and other
details will be provided in the second announcement.
ACCOMODATION:
Participants must take care of their own accomodation by choosing one of
the hotels listed at
http://www.mporzio.astro.it/cosmo2001/alberghi.html
and book their room by fax using the form provided.
The deadline for hotel booking is MAY 2, 2001.
The Observatory does not answer for room availability after this
date. Transport is only provided to and from the hotels in the list.
TRANSPORT:
Monteporzio is accessible by trains, local coaches and taxis. Details
about how to reach the Observatory and maps of the area are provided
at the following site:
http://www.mporzio.astro.it/~giobbi/infomp.html
Tentative list of Speakers
==========================
Barbour, J. (UK)
Belmonte Aviles J.A. (Spain)
Bonoli, F. (Bologna)
Buonanno, R. ( Universita' di Roma II "Tor Vergata")
Capaccioli, M. (SAIt, OAC)
Castellani, V. (Pisa)
Cham-Cham, K. (Casablanca)
Davies, P. (Australia)
DeMeis, S. (Milano)
Elamrani-Jamal (Casablanca)
Guiderdoni B. (Paris)
Hunger H. (Vienna)
King D. (Francoforte)
Kunitsz P. (Munich)
Panaino, A. (Bologna)
Picchioni, S. (Bologna)
Pingree, D. (Brown Univ.)
Rashed, R. (Paris)
Saliba, G. (Columbia Univ.)
Silk J. (Oxford UK)
Treumann, R. (MPG Munich, Garmany)
Vittorio, N. (II Universita' di Roma II "Tor Vergata")
For further informations and questions, please contact the L.O.C. at the
following address: cosmo01@coma.mporzio.astro.it
Or visit the Web site at: http://www.mporzio.astro.it/cosmo2001/
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Astronomy and Mathematics in the Ancient Near East
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under One Sky: Astronomy and Mathematics in the Ancient Near East
25-27 June 2001, The British Museum.
Archaeologically recovered materials from Egypt and Mesopotamia provide the
earliest written sources of astronomy and mathematics known to us today.
They reveal that already by the early second millennium BC advanced
mathematical techniques had been developed to solve both practical and
abstract problems. In the first millennium BC, Babylonian astronomers used
developments of these mathematical methods to calculate planetary and lunar
phenomena such as the dates of the first and last visibilities of the
planets, and eclipses of the sun and moon.
This conference will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of
recent work on the history of astronomy and mathematics in the Ancient Near
East. In addition to technical discussions of the methods of the ancient
science, sessions of the conference will be devoted to exploring the
relationship between astronomy and celestial divination, the role of
astronomy in establishing absolute chronologies, and the legacy of Ancient
Near Eastern science in neighbouring cultures.
For further information please contact one of the following:
John Steele, Department of Physics, University of Durham, South Road,
Durham, DH1 3LE, Tel: 0191-3742139, Email: j.m.steele@durham.ac.uk
Annette Imhausen, Dibner Institute, 38 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
02139, USA, Email: aimhausen@dibinst.mit.edu
Christopher Walker, Department of the Ancient Near East, The British
Museum, London, WC1B 3DG, Tel: 020-73238382, Email:
c.walker@british-museum.ac.uk
Or visit the conference web site:
http://star-www.dur.ac.uk/~jms/UOS/Preview/index.html
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
20th Scientific Instrument Symposium
------------------------------------
The 20th Scientific Instrument Symposium of the Scientific Instrument
Commission of the International Union of the History and Philosophy of
Science will take place at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, at the
invitation of the Center for the History of Science from Monday 15th to
Friday 19th October, 2001.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is an independent, non-governmental
organisation dedicated to promoting the development of science. The Center
for the History of Science, established in 1988, is an international
research institute operating under the auspices of the Academy. Its
purpose is to accomplish, stimulate and support research within the history
of science.
The sessions of the symposium will take place at the Academy. The Academy
is situated near a subway station providing easy access.
Some visits will be arranged for example to the Observatory Museum, where
many of the instruments belonging to the Academy are on display. We will
also visit the Nobel Jubilee Exhibition, which opens in the spring of 2001.
Trips outside of Stockholm will take us to Uppsala and to the Baroque
castle of Skokloster.
Conference address:
20th International Scientific Instrument Symposium
Center for History of Science
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Box 50005
SE-104 05 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: +46-(0)8-673 95 00
Fax: +46-(0)8-673 95 98
E-mail: sic2001@kva.se
Web: http://www.cfvh.kva.se/sic2001.htm
Organising committee:
Olov Amelin, Inga Elmqvist, Tore Frangsmyr, Karl Grandin, Christina
Hallden and Svante Lindqvist.
The 20th Scientific Instrument Symposium in Stockholm is sponsored by
the Wenner-Gren Foundations.
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference announcement: Tycho Brahe and Prague
-----------------------------------------------
Tycho Brahe and Prague:
Crossroads of European Science
An International Symposium on the History of Science in Rudolphine period
organized on the occasion of 400th anniversary of Tycho Brahe's death
(Prague, 24 October 1601)
First Announcement and Call for Papers
The symposium will be organized by the Research Center for the History of
Sciences and Humanities (RCHSH, founded by Charles University and Academy
of Sciences of the Czech Republic) in Prague, 22-25 October 2001.
The symposium will deal with the following topics:
A) Tycho Brahe and 16th- and 17th-century astronomy
B) Rudolphine Prague as a center of scientific and intellectual life
C) Danish-Bohemian relations 1576 - 1648.
Scientific Organizing Committee:
O. Gingerich (Harvard Univ.)
J. R. Christianson (Luther Coll., Iowa)
J. Dobrzycki (Academy of Sciences, Warszaw)
A. Hadravova (Academy of Sciences, Prague, LOC)
Z. Hojda (Charles Univ., Prague)
L. Konecny (Academy of Sciences, Prague)
J. Petran (RCHSH, Prague)
A. Ph. Segonds (Observatoire de Paris)
M. Solc (Charles Univ., Prague, LOC)
Local Organizing Committee:
A. Kostlan (RCHSH, Prague)
P. Hadrava (Academy of Sciences, Ondrejov)
A. Hadravova (Academy of Sciences, Prague, SOC)
J. Parez (Strahov library, Prague)
M. Solc (Charles Univ., Prague, SOC)
M. Svatos (Charles Univ., Prague)
V. Urbanek (Academy of Sciences, Prague)
For further information or suggestions, please contact:
A. Kostlan
Research Center for the History of Sciences and Humanities
Legerova 61
120 00 Praha 2
Czech Republic
e-mail: brahe@kav.cas.cz
Web site with pre-registration form:
http://stelweb.asu.cas.cz/tycho/
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Further Conferences in 2001
---------------------------
Further conferences in the year 2001 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all meetings announced see the following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
April 27-28, 2001, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Baroque Imaginary: The World of Athanasius Kircher, S. J. (1602-80)
Place: Stanford University
Contacts: Paula Findlen, e-mail: pfindlen@leland.stanford.edu
June 11-16, 2001, Palermo, Italy
Asteroids 2001: from Piazzi to the 3rd Millenium
Contacts: Carlo Blanco, Universita di Catania, Dipartimento di Fisica e
Astronomia, Via S. Sofia, 78, I-95125 Catania, Italy,
Phone +390957332245, Fax +39095330592,
e-mail: cblanco@alpha4.ct.astro.it
June 13-16, 2001, Paris, France
Culture scientifique : les observatoires de Paris et de Palerme
Contacts: D. Chalonge, Observatoire de Paris - DEMIRM,
61, avenue de l'Observatoire, PARIS, France, 75014,
Phone 33-01-40-51-22-21, Fax 33-01-40-51-20-02,
e-mail: chalonge@mesiob.obspm.fr
July 8-14, Mexico City, Mexico
XXIst International Congress of History of Science,
Symposium "Astronomical Heritage of Non-European Cultural Areas"
Contacts: Prof. S.M. Razaullah Ansari, c/o Physics Department, Aligarh
Muslim University,
Aligarh 202002, India, Fax: ++91-571-400466, e-mail: Raza.Ansari@gmx.net
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001
...........................................................................
Past Meetings
-------------
January 7-8, 2001, San Diego, CA, USA
197th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Session 1. HAD I: Boners of the Century
Session 23. HAD II
Contacts: Barvara Welther, e-mail: bwelther@cfa.harvard.edu
http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas197/program/
February 10, 2001, Oakland, CA, USA
Meeting of the Northern California History of Astronomy Luncheon and
Discussion Association (NCHALDA)
Further information: Norm Sperling, email: nsperling@california.com
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank: S.M. Razaullah Ansari, Silvia Barbantani,
Petr Hadrava, Norm Sperling, John Steele.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 46
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 46, April 20, 2001 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Acta Historica Astronomiae - a new series of books
2. Exhibition on One Thousand Years of the Art and Science of Astronomy
3. Gudrun Richardson: The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Archive Resource
4. Robert Hooke Tercentenary Conference
5. Conferences in 2001
6. New Books
Correction
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
Acta Historica Astronomiae - a new series of books
--------------------------------------------------
1. Introduction
"Acta Historica Astronomiae" (ISSN 1422-8521) is a new series of books
devoted to all fields of the history of astronomy. It will comprise
monographs, proceedings of conferences, general and thematic collections of
articles, editions of manuscripts, bibliographies, inventories of
astronomical archives, as well as graduate and doctoral theses. Reprints
and translations of interesting historical works may also be published.
The issues of "Beitraege zur Astronomiegeschichte" (Contributions to the
History of Astronomy) are something like yearbooks. These will appear
irregularly, but hopefully at least once per year. "Beitraege zur
Astronomiegeschichte" contain scientific and review articles, reports
and book reviews. The first three issues include one article in English
each, the others are in German with English abstracts. The fourth issue
is in preparation for autumn this year.
2. The first volumes
All volumes appeared with Verlag Harri Deutsch, Thun and Frankfurt am Main,
paperback in format 15 x 21 cm. Among the 11 volumes which were edited so
far, three books are in English.
Vol. 1:
Wolfgang R. Dick, Juergen Hamel (Eds.): Beitraege zur
Astronomiegeschichte, Band 1 [Contributions to the History of Astronomy,
Issue 1]. 1998, 184 p., ISBN 3-8171-1568-7, 31 ill., DM 28.00
Vol. 2:
Juergen Hamel: Die astronomischen Forschungen in Kassel unter Wilhelm IV.
[Astronomical research in Kassel under Wilhelm IV]. Mit einer
wissenschaftlichen Teiledition der Uebersetzung des Hauptwerkes von
Copernicus 1586 [With a scientific partial edition of the first translation
of 1586 of Copernicus' main work].
1998, 175 p., ISBN 3-8171-1569-5, ill., DM 28.00
Vol. 3:
Peter Brosche, Wolfgang R. Dick, Oliver Schwarz, Roland Wielen (Eds.):
The Message of the Angles - Astrometry from 1798 to 1998. Proceedings of
the International Spring Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, Gotha,
May 11-15, 1998. 1998, 276 p., ISBN 3-8171-1588-1, ill., DM 38.00
Vol. 4:
Klaus-Dieter Herbst: Astronomie um 1700 [Astronomy around 1700].
Kommentierte Edition des Briefes von Gottfried Kirch an Olaus Roemer vom
25. Oktober 1703 [Annotated edition of the letter by Gottfried Kirch to
Olaus Roemer of October 25, 1703].
1999, 143 p., ISBN 3-8171-1589-X, ill., DM 24.00
Vol. 5:
Wolfgang R. Dick, Juergen Hamel (Eds.): Beitraege zur
Astronomiegeschichte, Band 2 [Contributions to the History of Astronomy,
Issue 2]. 1999, 226 p., ISBN 3-8171-1590-3, 14 ill., DM 32.00
Vol. 6:
Peter Kroll, Constanze la Dous, Hans-Juergen Braeuer (Eds.):
Treasure-Hunting in Astronomical Plate Archives. Proceedings of the
International Workshop held at Sonneberg Observatory, March 4 to 6, 1999.
1999, 266 p., ISBN 3-8171-1599-7, ill., DM 38.00
Vol. 7:
Reinhard E. Schielicke, Klaus-Dieter Herbst, Stefan Kratochwil (Eds.):
Erhard Weigel - 1625 bis 1699 : Barocker Erzvater der deutschen
Fruehaufklaerung [Erhard Weigel - 1625 to 1699 : Baroque patriarch of the
early German Enlightenment]. Beitraege des Kolloquium anlaesslich seines
300. Todestages am 20. Maerz 1999 in Jena [Proceedings of the colloquium
held in Jena on March 20, 1999, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of
his death]. 1999, 174 p., ISBN 3-8171-1600-4, 16 ill., DM 28.00
Vol. 8:
Wolfgang R. Dick, Klaus Fritze (Eds.): 300 Jahre Astronomie in Berlin und
Potsdam [300 Years of Astronomy in Berlin and Potsdam]. Eine Sammlung von
Aufsaetzen aus Anlass des Gruendungsjubilaeums der Berliner Sternwarte [A
collection of papers on the occasion of the anniversary of the foundation
of the Berlin Observatory].
2000, 252 p., ISBN 3-8171-1622-5, 27 ill., DM 32.00
Vol. 9:
Klaus Hentschel, Axel D. Wittmann (Eds.): The Role of Visual
Representations in Astronomy: History and Research Practice.
Contributions to a Colloquium held at Goettingen in 1999.
2000, 148 p., ISBN 3-8171-1630-6, 36 ill., DM 24.00
Vol. 10:
Wolfgang R. Dick, Juergen Hamel (Eds.): Beitraege zur
Astronomiegeschichte, Band 3 [Contributions to the History of Astronomy,
Issue 3]. 2000, 251 p., ISBN 3-8171-1635-7, 80 ill., DM 32.00
Vol. 11:
Ernst-August Gussmann, Gerhard Scholz, Wolfgang R. Dick (Eds.): Der
Grosse Refraktor auf dem Potsdamer Telegrafenberg [The Great Refractor at
the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam]. Vortraege zu seinem 100jaehrigen Bestehen
[Papers on occasion of its 100th anniversary]. 2000, 136 p., ISBN
3-8171-1642-X, 29 ill., DM 22.00
3. How to order
In Germany the titles of the series Acta Historica Astronomiae may be
ordered in every bookshop. Some volumes are available within one or two
days.
Outside Germany large bookshops dealing with foreign books will accept your
orders.
Orders are also possible directly to Fachbuchhandlung Harri Deutsch,
Versandabteilung, Graefstrasse 47, D-60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
Tel.: +49 69 775021, Fax: +49 69 7073739, e-mail:
buchhandlung@harri-deutsch.de, URL: http://www.harri-deutsch.de/.
Postage: inside Germany DM 5.00, for orders of DM 100 or more postage is
free. Please ask for postage prices outside Germany. Credit cards will be
accepted. This bookshop accepts also subscriptions to the complete series;
please send these to the address given above, attention: Mr. Gebhardt.
Orders may also be sent to Antiquariat & Buchhandlung Gerhard Renner,
Postfach 1648, D-72439 Albstadt-Tailfingen, Germany, Tel.: +49 7432 5114,
Fax: +49 7432 5567, e-mail: buch@antiquar-renner.com, URL:
http://www.antiquar-renner.com/. Credit cards will be accepted. Please
ask for postage prices.
Orders are also possible to German Internet bookshops like Amazon.de
(www.amazon.de) and Lehmanns Online Bookshop (www.lob.de).
4. Instructions for authors and editors
For scientific books of this type the printing costs have to be paid by the
authors or the editors. "Acta Historica Astronomiae" offers high printing
quality at comparatively low costs for the authors and low selling prices.
Books in German or English will be accepted, parts of the texts may be also
in other languages. The author(s) or editor(s) should be able to provide
camera-ready manuscripts in the demanded form. Instructions for this and
other details will be provided.
For the "Beitraege zur Astronomiegeschichte" no page charges are demanded,
but donations are welcome. Articles in German or English will be accepted.
Due to the large number of papers offered, preference will be given to
contributions in German and to English contributions dealing with the
history of astronomy in the German-speaking areas in the widest sense.
Instructions for authors are available.
Please contact the editors before sending in manuscripts:
Wolfgang R. Dick (Otterkiez 14, 14478 Potsdam, Germany, e-mail:
wdi@potsdam.ifag.de) or Juergen Hamel (c/o Archenhold-Sternwarte, Alt
Treptow 1, 12435 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: jhamel@astw.de).
5. Further information
More information including Tables of Contents, English abstracts,
and partially complete papers is available at
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/acta/
or from the editors.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
Exhibition on One Thousand Years of the Art and Science of Astronomy
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 55,
17. April 2001, Item 3.)
Vintage telescopes, astronomy manuscripts dating back to the 13th
century, a Moon rock and NASA pictures of distant galaxies are displayed at
the Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif., in an exhibit exploring
humanity's quest to understand the cosmos.
The exhibit, called "Star Struck: One Thousand Years of the Art and
Science of Astronomy," features images taken by NASA/JPL planetary missions
over the past four decades, along with historic astronomical instruments
and important works by Galileo, Cassini, Huygens and other early
astronomers.
"NASA and JPL have been part of creating a new era of observing the
universe by sending probes to the planets in our solar system and putting
telescopes in space that can observe the universe in much greater detail,"
said Dr. Edward Stone, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
Pasadena. Stone advised the Huntington Library in assembling the exhibit.
The three astronomical themes included in the exhibit, Stone said,
are: What is our place in the universe? How do we observe the universe to
understand that? What have we seen that has allowed us to understand better
our place in the universe?
Visitors to the exhibit, which runs until May 13, will also see the
first hand-drawn star map of the southern hemisphere and a 1913 letter from
Albert Einstein asking astronomer George Ellery Hale, founder of the Mount
Wilson and Palomar Mountain observatories, to review his new theory of
general relativity.
This exhibit is the first in "The Universe" series of space-related
events in the Pasadena area in coming months. Other institutions and
organizations taking part are the California Institute of Technology,
Armory Center for the Arts, Art Center College of Design, Norton Simon
Museum, One Colorado, Pacific Asia Museum and Southwest Chamber Music.
For hours, admission and more information on the Huntington Library,
see http://www.huntington.org . For information on space exploration and
astronomical objects, see JPL's website at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov . JPL, a
NASA center, is a division of Caltech.
Source: JPL Press Release, February 6, 2001
Contact: JPL -- Martha J. Heil (818) 354-0850
Huntington Library -- Dan Lewis (626) 405-2141
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Archive Resource
------------------------------------------------
By Gudrun Richardson, London, UK
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 55,
17. April 2001, Item 4.)
The Sackler Archive Resource is developed by the Royal Society Library and
generously funded by the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Trust. The Resource
is a biographical database of Fellows of the Royal Society from its
inception in 1660 to the present day (excluding the current Fellowship) and
includes some 8,000 figures from the history of science. Names such as Sir
Christopher Wren (FRS 1663), Sir Humphry Davy (FRS 1803) and Charles Darwin
(FRS 1839) appear alongside their contemporaries who have been all but lost
to history. The aim of the five-year project is to bring together the
diverse printed sources relating to the history of the Fellowship into a
fully searchable database. Election certificates are being transcribed,
allowing users to search for research interests and also to identify links
between individual scientists through candidates' proposers. Other
biographical elements include education, career details and family
relationships; other information includes references to obituaries of
Fellows published by the Royal Society. The next aim of the project is to
scan portraits of Fellows and attach these to the biographical records.
The Resource is now available via the Royal Society's website:
www.royalsoc.ac.uk/library/index.html , under the link "Online catalogues".
Also available is the library catalogue of the Royal Society, a collection
of history of science and science policy, built around the Royal Society's
work and Fellows.
Work on the Sackler Archive Resource is ongoing and additional information
would be most welcome. Comments regarding either the Resource or the
library catalogue can be sent to: sackler@royalsoc.ac.uk
Author's address:
Gudrun Richardson (Miss)
Researcher (Raymond and Beverly Sackler Archive Resource)
tel + 44 (0) 20 7451 2602
fax + 44 (0) 20 7930 2170
email gudrun.richardson@royalsoc.ac.uk
Registered Charity No 207043
The Royal Society - promoting excellence in science
http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
Robert Hooke Tercentenary Conference
------------------------------------
London, UK, 7-9 July, 2003
A major international conference is being organised under the auspices of
Gresham College, London, to commemorate the tercentenary of the death of
the natural philosopher and polymath Robert Hooke (1635-1703).
Sessions will be devoted to the full range of Hooke's life, work, milieu
and legacy; there will also be ancillary activities, including visits to
buildings designed by him. Offers of papers are invited from those
actively engaged in research on Hooke.
Please send details, including the proposed title and a synopsis, to the
organisers Prof. Michael Cooper at m.a.r.cooper@city.ac.uk and Prof.
Michael Hunter at m.hunter@history.bbk.ac.uk
Those who would like to attend and wish to be kept informed of plans as
they develop should send their details to the administrator Mrs Julie
Jones at julie.jones6@btinternet.com.
[Source: http://depts.washington.edu/hssexec/meetings/hooke.html]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
Conferences in 2001
-------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 54,
12. April 2001, Item 6. Partial translations by the editor.)
Further conferences in the year 2001 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all meetings announced see the following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
May 7-11, 2001, Ostseebad Zingst, Germany
6. Tagung der Fachsektion Geschichte der Mathematik der Deutschen
Mathematiker-Vereinigung [6th Meeting of the Special Section for
History of Mathematics in the German Association of Mathematicians]
Information: Prof. Dr. Peter Schreiber, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universitaet,
Institut fuer Mathematik und Informatik, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany,
Tel.: 03834-864621, e-mail: schreibe@mail.uni-greifswald.de
May 24-27, 2001, Stimpfach-Rechenberg, Germany
30. Jahrestagung des Arbeitskreises Sonnenuhren in der Deutschen
Gesellschaft fuer Chronometrie [30th Annual Meeting of the Sundial
Working Group in the German Society of Chronometry]
Contacts: Rolf Wieland, Baumgartenweg 5, D-74589 Satteldorf, Germany
September 7-8, 2001, St. Georgen am Laengsee/Kaernten, Austria
11. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgruppe Sonnenuhren im Oesterreichischen
Astronomischen Verein [11th Annual Meeting of the Sundial Working Group
in the Austrian Astronomical Society]
Information: Helmut Sonderegger, Sonnenstr. 24, A-6805 Feldkirch,
Austria, e-mail: h.sonderegger@vlbg.at
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 46, April 20, 2001
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 54,
12. April 2001, Item 7. Partial translations by the editor.)
Baumunk, Bodo-Michael; Buelow, Ralf (Eds.): Weltraum. Sonnen, Monde,
Galaxien: Aufbruch ins Unbekannte [Universe. Suns, moons, galaxies:
Departure into unknown worlds. - In German]. Berlin: Henschel Verlag,
2000. 128 p., 153 ill., ISBN 3-89487-346-9, 24 x 27 cm, hardbound DM 24.90
(Sieben Huegel - Bilder und Zeichen des 21. Jahrhunderts: [14. Mai - 29.
Oktober 2000 im Martin Gropius-Bau Berlin; eine Ausstellung der Berliner
Festspiele]; Bd. 3)
[Accompanying book for the exhibition "Seven Hills - Pictures and Signs of
the 21st Century", 14 May - 29 October 2000 in Berlin, vol. 3]
Berichte der Kepler-Kommission, Heft 11 [Reports of the Kepler Commission,
Issue 11. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akademie der
Wissenschaften, 2000. 63 p., 21 x 29.5 cm, paperback
[Contents: S. Ebbersmeyer, P. M. Schenkel: Register zu Band 11,2 der
Gesammelten Werke Johannes Keplers; H. Kothmann: Bericht ueber die Arbeit
am Katalog der Kepler-Handschriften. Teil 3. F. Allmer: Kepler -
nochmals aus Graz vertrieben? - Through exchance of publications only.]
Blaauw, Adriaan: Archives of the International Astronomical Union - Union
Astronomique Internationale. Inventory for the years 1919 - 1970. [Paris]:
IAU, 1999. XIII, 42 p., paperback
[Distribution: Prof. Dr. Adriaan Blaauw, Kapteyn Astronomical Institute,
Box 800, NL-9700 AV Groningen; e-mail: blaauw@astro.rug.nl]
Chinnici, Ileana: La Carte du Ciel : correspondance inedite conservee dans
les archives de l'Observatoire de Paris. Paris: Observatoire de Paris;
Palermo: Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo G. S. Vaiana, 1999. xviii,
475 p., [56] p. de pl., 17 x 24.5 cm, 80 ill., ISBN 2-901057-40-3,
FF 150,-, Euro 22.87 (pb)
[Edition of the correspondence on the "Carte du Ciel" in the original
languages (French, English, 6 letters in German).]
Friedmann, Alexander: Die Welt als Raum und Zeit [The world as space and
time] (1923). Translation from Russian [into German], introduction and
annotations by Georg Singer. Thun, Frankfurt a. M.: Verlag Harri
Deutsch, 2000. LXXVIII, 155 p., 12 x 19 cm, ISBN 3-8171-3287-5, paperback
DM 40.00 (Ostwalds Klassiker der exakten Wissenschaften ; 287)
Haupt, Hermann; Holl, Peter: Datenbank Oesterreichischer Astronomen / Data
base of Austrian astronomers (1330 - 2000). CD-ROM. Wien: Verlag der
Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 2000. ISBN 3-7001-2939-4,
oeS 490.00, DM 67.00.
[Data on about 300 astronomers, who lived or live in contemporary Austria,
or who had a relation to this country. In German.]
Hein-Weingarten, Katharina: Das Institut fuer Kosmosforschung der Akademie
der Wissenschaften der DDR. Ein Beitrag zur Erforschung der
Wissenschaftspolitik der DDR am Beispiel der Weltraumforschung von 1957 bis
1991 [The Institute for Space Research of the Academy of Sciences of the
GDR. A contribution for the study of the science policy of the GDR by the
example of space research from 1957 to 1991. - In German]. Berlin:
Duncker & Humblot, 2000. 359 p., 16 x 23.5 cm, ISBN 3-428-10038-7,
paperback DM 98.00
Herschel, Wilhelm: Ueber den Bau des Himmels. Abhandlungen ueber die
Struktur des Universums und die Entwicklung der Himmelskoerper [On the
construction of the heavens. Papers on the structure of the universe and
the development of the heavenly bodies. - In German]. Introduction and
annotations: Juergen Hamel. Thun, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag Harri
Deutsch, 2001. 203 p., ill., 12 x 19 cm, ISBN 3-8171-3288-3, paperback DM
38.50 (Ostwalds Klassiker der exakten Wissenschaften ; 288)
Hertzsprung, Ejnar: Zur Strahlung der Sterne. Drei Arbeiten [On the
radiation of the stars. Three works. - In German]. Introduction and
annotations: Dieter B. Herrmann. 5th ed. Thun, Frankfurt am Main:
Verlag Harri Deutsch, 2001. 90 p., ISBN 3-8171-3410-X, paperback DM 16.80
(Ostwalds Klassiker der exakten Wissenschaften ; 255)
Hoehepunkte mittelalterlicher Astronomie. Georg von Peuerbach und die
Folgen. Ausstellung im Schloss Peuerbach, 27. April - 2. November 2000
[Highlights of medieval astronomy. George von Peuerbach and the
consequences. Exhibition in the Peuerbach Palace, 27 April - 2 November
2000. - In German]. Raab: Verlag Wambacher, 2000. [XVI], 285 p., 21.5 x
29.5 cm, numerous ill., mostly in colour, ISBN 3-85360-003-4, hardbound
oeS 390.00 + postage
[Distribution: Tourismusverband Peuerbach, Rathausplatz 1, 4722
Peuerbach, Austria, Tel. 07276/2255-0, Fax 2255-20, e-mail:
stadt@peuerbach.ooe.gv.at]
Holmberg, Gustav: Reaching for the stars : studies in the history of
Swedish stellar and nebular astronomy 1860-1940. Lund: History of Science
and Ideas, Lund University, 1999. 243 p., ISBN 91-628-3837-7, pb
(Ugglan: Lund Studies in the History of Science and Ideas ; 13)
Kretzer, Olaf: Astronomische Erscheinungen in der "Thueringischen
Chronica" des Johann Binhard (1613). Eine astronomische Analyse
[Astronomical phenomena in the "Thuringian Chronica" of Johann Binhard
(1613). An astronomical analysis. - In German]. Bad Langensalza: Verlag
Rockstuhl, 2000. [29] p., 21.5 x 30 cm, ISBN 3-934748-24-4, paperback
DM 24.80
[Very simple layout, printing and binding.]
Schaldach, Karlheinz: Roemische Sonnenuhren. Eine Einfuehrung in die
antike Gnomonik [Roman sundials. An introduction into ancient gnomonics.
- In German] . 2nd improved ed. Thun, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag Harri
Deutsch, 1998. 123 p., 66 ill., tabs., ISBN 3-8171-1565-2, paperback
DM 29.80
...........................................................................
Correction
----------
ENHA 45 was distributed with a wrong number in the header. Please replace
"Number 44, April 11, 2001" by "Number 45, April 11, 2001".
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank the author Gudrun Richardson, and in addition:
Volker Bialas, Adriaan Blaauw, Ralf Buelow, Juergen Hamel, Hermann Haupt,
Gustav Holberg, Olaf Kretzer, Karl Schwarzinger, Georg Singer, Helmut
Sonderegger, Michael Toepell, Rolf Wieland, Osservatorio Astronomico di
Palermo, Tourismusverband Peuerbach, Verlag Duncker & Humblot.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 47
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 47, June 21, 2001 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Second Announcement: European Astronomy in the 20th Century
2. Epact Online - Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe
3. Navigating Instruments Discussion Group
4. Paul Bunge Prize for History of Scientific Instruments 2001
5. Paul Bunge Prize 2002
6. Workshop "The Making of the Spectroscope"
7. Further Conferences 2001-2003
8. Past Meetings
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Second Announcement: European Astronomy in the 20th Century
-----------------------------------------------------------
Special Colloquium on the History of Astronomy
"European Astronomy in the 20th Century"
in the framework of the
Joint European and National Astronomical Meeting for 2001
J E N A M - 2001
10th European and 75th Annual Assembly of Astronomische Gesellschaft
September 10-14, 2001, Munich, Germany
Second announcement
The European meeting of astronomers to be held in September 2001 in
Munich will give the opportunity to review the development of astronomy in
Europe during the last century. Emphasis will be made on the evolution of
ideas, instruments and scientific results, although the history of
institutions and biographies of astronomers may also be considered.
For detailed information on the colloquium, please visit the Web page
http://www.gamma.mpe-garching.mpg.de/~hcs/JENAM2001MS/
or ask for the First Announcement (or see ENHA No. 45, April 11, 2001).
Scientific Organizing Committee - SOC:
Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Dr. Izold Pustylnik, Toravere/Tartu, Estonia, e-mail: izold@aai.ee
Dr. Helmut Steinle, Garching, Germany, e-mail: hcs@mpe.mpg.de
Dr. Christiaan Sterken, Brussels, Belgium, e-mail: csterken@vub.ac.be
Local Organizing Committee - LOC:
Dr. Helmut Steinle
Contact address:
Dr. Helmut Steinle
Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik
Postfach 1312
85741 Garching
Germany
E-mail : hcs@mpe.mpg.de
WWW : http://www.mpe.mpg.de/hcs/
Phone : (49) 89 30000 3374
Fax : (49) 89 30000 3569
Location: Campus of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich,
located well in the city centre of Munich.
Time: Friday, September 14: 14.00-15.30 and 16.00-17.30
Saturday, September 15: 9.00-10.30 and 11.00-12.30
Symposium Language
English and German are working languagues of the colloquium. Usage of
other European languagues is welcome (unfortunately, the hosts are unable
to provide simultaneous translation). When not using English for your oral
paper or poster please present some help for the audiance to understand
what your paper is about: written English summary, transparencies in
English, or similar.
Call for Papers:
Please see the Web site or the First Announcement for detailed
information. Please note the deadlines for submitting abstracts:
Oral Papers: July 1, 2001
Poster Papers: July 13, 2001
The program of the meeting will be announced at the Web site
by the end of July.
Registration and Registration Fees:
For participants of the general JENAM-2001 conference who also want
to attend this Special Colloquium, please see the JENAM-2001 web site
http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/english/conferences/jenam01/
Registration fees are:
Members of AG and EAS: 150.00 DM
Students: 80.00 DM
Other: 180.00 DM
Accompanying Persons: 60.00 DM
Reduced fee for Special Colloquium only participants (who will arrive
on Friday noon and will not take part in other parts of JENAM-2001):
50.00 DM
Participants for the Special Colloquium only:
* do not register at the JENAM-2001 conference directly
* send the Registration Form (see below) to the LOC, or register
on-line at
http://www.gamma.mpe-garching.mpg.de/~hcs/JENAM2001MS/registration.html
Deadline: June 28 !
* make your own hotel reservations soon (see Web site for
recommendations).
Events:
Friday evening: Get-together at a restaurant
If interest exists, we will try to organize a tour on Saturday
(September 15) afternooon to one of the places of interest for historians
of astronomy which are in Munich or its surroundings. Possible places are:
European Southern Observatory headquarters (ESO)
Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik (MPE)
Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Ludwig-Maximilian
University Munich (USM)
Deutsches Museum
Benediktbeuern and J. Fraunhofer's glass production site
Please indicate any preferences in the registration form!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(You may also use the on-line registration form at
http://www.gamma.mpe-garching.mpg.de/~hcs/JENAM2001MS/registration.html)
Registration Form
Special Colloquium on the History of Astronomy
"European Astronomy in the 20th Century"
in the framework of JENAM-2001
September 10-14, 2001, Munich, Germany
Title [Mrs., Mr., Dr., Prof.]:
Family name:
First name(s):
Address (please include the country):
Phone (please include country and area code):
Fax (please include country and area code):
E-mail:
Remarks:
[ ] I plan to attend the full JENAM 2001 conference and will registrate
also there and pay there the full conference fee.
or
[ ] I will only attend the Special Colloquium on the History of
Astronomy and will pay the reduced fee of DM 50 at the time of the
Special Colloquium.
[ ] The will attend the get-together on Friday evening
I am interested in the following excursions (please mark one or more):
[ ] European Southern Observatory headquarters
[ ] Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik
[ ] Institut fuer Astronomie und Astrophysik der
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen
[ ] Deutsches Museum
[ ] Benediktbeuern und J. Fraunhofers Glashuette
Please send this form by 28 June 2001 to:
Dr. Helmut Steinle
Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik
Postfach 1312
D-85741 Garching
E-mail : hcs@mpe.mpg.de
Tel. : (49) 89 30000 3374, Fax : (49) 89 30000 3569
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Epact Online - Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In March 2001, The Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, Istituto e
Museo di Storia della Scienza, Florence, The British Museum, London, and
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, launched the online version of "Epact:
Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe", available at
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/epact
Epact is an electronic catalogue of all the Medieval and Renaissance
scientific instruments in the four museums. It is aimed at both the
general public and the connoisseur of scientific instruments. Each
instrument in the catalogue is described by an overview text and a detailed
technical description as well as being illustrated by photographs.
Supporting material for the catalogue includes an essay on the Medieval and
Renaissance mathematical arts and sciences, articles describing the
function of different instrument types, entries on makers and places
represented, a glossary of technical terms, and a bibliography.
Epact was first published in stand-alone form in the four museums in
September 1998. The current online version reproduces the contents of the
stand-alone edition with pictures of slightly lower resolution as befits an
Internet resource. Corrections and additions are currently being compiled,
and in the meantime any problems with the online version and suggestions
for further improvements should be directed to giles.hudson@mhs.ox.ac.uk
The cooperating museums believe that Epact is one of the highest quality
resources of its kind and hope that it will prove to be of value to
researchers as well as bringing the material remains of our scientific
heritage to the attention of a wider public audience.
[Source: Scientific Instrument Commission, Newsletter No. 22, May 2001,
http://www.sic.iuhps.org/news_txt/news2001.htm]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Navigating Instruments Discussion Group
---------------------------------------
A new discussion group which specializes in navigating instruments, called
Sextants, is hosted on a free (advertising-supported) group service
operated by the American Web index Yahoo.
The group is not restricted to sextants; it also deals other instruments
for measuring visual dihedral angles at sea, aloft, or in the field; the
use of such instruments for navigation, surveying, and like purposes; and
other related matters including marine and air navigation, surveying, and
the industry and technology that produced these instruments. Everyone is
welcome to post information and questions regarding history, specific
instruments, sales, wants, etc. Most of the present members are collectors
or enthusiasts, but some have serious interests in these instruments.
If you are interested, you can subscribe to the group in either of two
ways. You can send an e-mail message to:
Sextants-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
The other way is to visit the following URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sextants
If you are not already signed up with Yahoo! Groups for some of their
other groups, you will be asked to sign up. They will ask you for some
information (of which only your e-mail address actually has to be correct).
There is no other way to get access to this group except via Yahoo!
Groups. If you find that the group is not to your taste, it is easy to
unsubscribe.
One of the benefits of the Yahoo! Groups format is that storage is
provided, open to access by group members. Advantage has been taken of
this to post a variety of information, including a bibliography, scanned
copies of hard-to-find basic articles, and some analyses and data bases.
Complete details on how to access this are provided in the welcome message
automatically sent to joining group members.
Questions regarding 'Sextants ' may be e-mailed to Will O'Neil at
w.d.oneil@pobox.com .
[Source: Rete Message 5974, 03 Feb 2001, by W. D. O'Neil]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Paul Bunge Prize for History of Scientific Instruments 2001
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Paul Bunge Prize of the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation is awarded each
year for special achievements in the history of scientific instruments.
This year the prize is awarded to Dr. Jim Bennett, Keeper of the Museum of
the History of Science, Oxford (Great Britain), who will receive the prize
for his complete historical works on scientific instruments (including
astronomical). The prize is endowed with DM 15,000 and will be presented
on 25 September 2001 in Wuerzburg on the occasion of the Annual Meeting
Chemistry 2001 of the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher
Chemiker).
The Paul Bunge Prize is offered by the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation which
is jointly administered by the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft
Deutscher Chemiker) and the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry
(Deutschen Bunsen-Gesellschaft fuer Physikalische Chemie). Hans R.
Jenemann (1920 - 1996), a chemist at the Schott Glaswerken in Mainz, became
known for his work on the history of the balance (weighing scale). Paul
Bunge (1839 - 1888) set new standards as a precision mechanic and engineer
in the construction of balances. The aim of the foundation is to support
research in the field of historical scientific instruments as well as to
sponsor talented young scientists in this area.
[Sources: Scientific Instrument Commission, Newsletter No. 22, May 2001,
http://www.sic.iuhps.org/news_txt/news2001.htm ;
GDCh - Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, Press Release 08a/01,
http://www.gdch.de/pubrelat/wpd08a01.htm]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Paul Bunge Prize 2002
---------------------
The German Chemical Society extends an international invitation for
applications for the Paul Bunge Prize 2002 of the Hans R. Jenemann
Foundation, which is administered by the German Chemical Society
(Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker) and the German Bunsen Society for
Physical Chemistry (Deutsche Bunsen-Gesellschaft fuer Physikalische
Chemie). The 2002 award consists of 7.500 Euro and should honour
outstanding publications in German, English or French in all fields of the
history of scientific instruments. Besides the scientific work,
applications should also include a curriculum vitae and - if available - a
list of publications of the applicant. The deadline for applications is
September 30, 2001. Applications for one's own work as well as proposals
for honouring other persons' work can be submitted. The Advisory Board of
the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation will decide the prize-winner. The
awarding will be on May 10, 2002, on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of
the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry in Potsdam (Germany). The
prize is named after the most important designer of analytical, assay and
high-performance precision balances in the second half of the 19th century,
Paul Bunge. Information for applicants is available at the German Chemical
Society, Public Relations Department, P.O. Box 900440, D-60444 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany, phone +49 69/7917-325, fax +49 69/7917-322,
e-mail: pr@gdch.de
[Source: GDCh - Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, Press Release 14a/01,
http://www.gdch.de/pubrelat/wpd14a01.htm]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Workshop "The Making of the Spectroscope"
-----------------------------------------
A workshop on the history and sociology of spectroscopy will take place at
the Deutsches Museum, Munich, on 1-2 September 2001. It is being organized
by Klaus Staubermann (Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation) and Charlotte Bigg
(University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institut fuer
Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Berlin) in collaboration with the Scientific
Instrument Commission.
In their multiple and various forms, spectroscopes have, for more than a
century, populated most scientific workplaces, ranging from chemical,
metrological, physical and biological laboratories to astrophysical
observatories. They were and are applied for research and the testing and
control of processes in many industrial contexts, e.g. the optical,
metallurgical and pharmaceutical industries. They were and are also an
indispensable component in the teaching of optics, and as such may be found
in educational institutions. This workshop will bring together scholars
interested in one or more of the spectroscope's many incarnations to
discuss material, historical and sociological perspectives on spectroscopy
and the artifacts involved in its practice. The contexts in which
spectroscopes were designed, constructed, employed and modified will be
investigated; the interactions between various communities connected to the
instrument in different locations will be considered, alongside with the
evolution over the past two centuries of spectroscopic devices and of their
meanings and significance.
On the preliminary programme are the following twelve speakers: Klaus
Hentschel, Ilaria Meliconi , Charlotte Bigg, Frank James, David Aubin, Dana
A. Freiburger, Andrea Loettgers, Anna M. Lombardi, Sean F. Johnston,
Paolo Brenni, Jochen Hennig and Susan Gamble. There will also be a visit
to the restorated Fraunhofer workshop at the Munich Stadtmuseum and a tour
of the Deutsches Museum's spectroscope collection.
The workshop will take place on the basis of pre-circulated papers. There
is no registration fee for the attendance, but accomodation has not been
arranged. Requests for information and registration by e-mail to Klaus
Staubermann: Stb@AvH.de or Charlotte Bigg: bigg@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de
[Source: Scientific Instrument Commission, Newsletter No. 22, May 2001,
http://www.sic.iuhps.org/news_txt/news2001.htm]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Further Conferences 2001-2003
-----------------------------
More conferences in the years 2001 and 2003 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
September 20-22, 2001, Crete, Greece
5th Hellenic Astronomical Conference
Among topics: 8.Infrastructure, History and Teaching of Astronomy
(Convenor: E. Kontizas)
Contacts: Joseph Ventura, University of Crete, Department of Physics,
P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece,
Phone: +30 31 394216 or 394200, Fax: +30 31 394201,
e-mail: ventura@physics.uch.gr
http://astrophysics.physics.uoc.gr/conf/
September 26-29, 2001, Vincenza, Italy
Il sole e la luna. Teorie, immagini, simboli
[The Sun and the Moon. Theories, Imaginings, and Symbols]
Contacts: Agostino Paravicini Bagliani,
Section d'histoire, BFSH 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland,
phone ++41 21 6922934, fax ++41 21 6922935,
e-mail: agostino.paravicini@hist.unil.ch
URL: http://sismel.meri.unifi.it/micrologus/Pubblicazioni/projects2.html
September 28-30, 2001, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2001 Joint Atlantic Seminar in the History of the Physical Sciences:
"Historical Interactions Between the Physical Sciences, Business, and
Technology"
Submitted papers should be concrete historical investigations on any topic
in the history of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biophysics, or the
geosciences.
Contacts: Thomas C. Lassman , Chemical Heritage Foundation,
315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA,
e-mail: toml@chemheritage.org
http://www.chemheritage.org/HistoricalServices/2001jashps.html
April 11-13, 2002, Tempe, AZ, USA
Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America
Session: Ancient Science in the Renaissance
All scientific fields are considered, from natural and physical sciences
to mathematics and astronomy, for example, including medicine and
pharmacy, as well as astrology and alchemy.
Contacts: Alan Touwaide, e-mail: atouwaide@hotmail.com
Announcement: http://depts.washington.edu/hssexec/meetings/rensociety.html
May, 2002, Brest, France
L'histoire du calcul des longitudes
[History of the Calculation of Longitudes for Navigation]
Contacts: Prof. Vincent Jullien, UBO, UFR sciences et techniques,
6 av. Le Gorgeu, BP 809, 29285, Brest Cedex, France,
e-mail: vjullien@wanadoo.fr
Announcement (in French):
http://depts.washington.edu/hssexec/meetings/longitude.html
August 10-13, 2003, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2003 Annual Meeting of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Among possible topics: Surveying, Celestial Navigation, Astronomy
Contacts: Philadelphia Chapter, LCTHF, P.O. Box 54803,
Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA, e-mail: papers@lewisandclarkphila.org
Announcement:
http://depts.washington.edu/hssexec/meetings/philadelphia.html
...........................................................................
Item 8 ENHA No. 47, June 21, 2001
...........................................................................
Past Meetings
-------------
May 11, 2001, Cambridge, Mass., USA
The Menzel Centennial Symposium - Donald H. Menzel: Scientist, Educator,
Builder
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Contacts: Owen Gingerich, e-mail: ginger@cfa.harvard.edu
URL: http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/menzel/
June 4-7, 2001, Pasadena, CA, USA
AAS 198th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Session 1. Walter Baade: Father of the Two Stellar Populations and
Pioneer Supernova Researcher
URL: http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v33n2/aas198/SL.htm
June 8-9, 2001, Nantes, France
Colloque "Observatoires et Patrimoine Astronomique Francais"
[Colloquium "Observatories and French Astronomical Heritage"]
Contacts: Jacques Gapaillard, Centre Francois Viete, Faculte des Sciences
2, rue de la Houssiniere, BP92208, 44322 Nantes Cedex 3, France,
e-mail: jacques.gapaillard@irem-hst.univ-nantes.fr
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank: Guy Boistel, Colette Le Lay, Helmut Steinle.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 48
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 48, December 17, 2001 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Chris Sterken: The Journal of Astronomical Data
2. Current Exhibitions
3. Conference Announcement: Ethnoastronomy in the West African Sub-Region
4. Conference Announcement:
Figures de l'antinewtonianisme/Faces of anti-Newtonianism, 1672-1832
5. Call for Papers:
Nathaniel Bowditch and the Art and Science of Navigation, 1802-2002
6. Conferences 2002-2004
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
The Journal of Astronomical Data
--------------------------------
By Chris Sterken, Brussels
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 58,
7. September 2001, Item 7.)
The Journal of Astronomical Data (JAD) is a machine-readable scientific
journal that was founded in 1995 and is edited by Chris Sterken and Hilmar
Duerbeck. JAD aims at complementing existing data banks, data archives and
supplement series of other journals by publishing observational data on
CD-ROM or DVD.
JAD publishes observational datasets, data from theoretical research,
reduction software and computer code, complete descriptions and designs of
new instruments catalogues, Ph.D. theses, conference proceedings, etc.
The journal also welcomes historical data, e.g. collections covering very
long time baselines, descriptions of historical instruments and
reproductions of ancient catalogues and maps.
Data already permanently available in machine-readable form at established
data banks or internet are not considered for publication in the journal.
All papers are submitted to one or two referees whose identity will be
made known to the author(s). All published material is copyright protected
and all rights are reserved, unless stated otherwise. The Publisher
adopted the policy that authors retain their copyright (or, in other
cases, the institute under which jurisdiction the author has collected the
data). This principle leaves full freedom for authors to distribute their
work in other ways without needing consent from a third party.
JAD appears annually - that is, one volume per year - on one or more
physical data carriers (CD-ROM or DVD). The descriptive part of the
published manuscripts is reprinted on paper in the form of Proceedings
volumes.
The annual subscription fee (50 Euro) covers postage and handling of the
CDs and Proceedings.
Editors: Chris Sterken (csterken@vub.ac.be) and Hilmar Duerbeck
(hilmar@uni-muenster.de)
Publisher: C. Sterken, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050
Brussel, Belgium; tel. 00 32 26293469 /3470, fax 00 32 26293174
For more information, see http://www.vub.ac.be/STER/JAD/jad.htm
Ed. note: Volume 6 (2000) contains also two books devoted to the history
of astronomy and a book review: K. B. Staubermann: Controlling Vision -
The Photometry of Karl Friedrich Zoellner (PhD Thesis); C. Sterken, K. B.
Staubermann (eds.): Karl Friedrich Zoellner and the historical dimension
of astronomical photometry. A collection of papers on the History of
Photometry. Book Review: Treasure-Hunting in Astronomical Plate Archives
(Acta Historica Astronomiae Vol. 6).
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
Current Exhibitions
-------------------
From 22 November to 21 December 2001, the Royal Library of Belgium
(Brussels) displays a small exposition entitled "From the Roman to the
16th Century Surveyor" (Van de Romeinse tot de 16de-eeuwse landmeters/
Des agrimensores romains aux arpenteurs du XVIe siecle). Although mainly
concerned with books there are also astrolabes and reconstructions of
Roman measuring instruments. Admission free.
Koninklijke Bibliotheek van Belgie/Bibliotheque royale de Belgique,
Nassaukapel/Chapelle de Nassau, phone: 02/519.53.55
Further information:
http://www.kbr.be/info/act/expo/geometre/geometre_nl.html
The Israel Museum in Jerusalem has been staging an exhibition entitled
"Written in the Stars - Art and Symbolism of the Zodiac" from 20 March
to 31 December 2001. A large number of exhibits illustrated the role of
the astrological signs in art painting and sculpture, literature and
religion, but also in connection with everyday artefacts. Celestial
globes from the 17th and 18th centuries (on loan from Vienna) complete
the lively exhibition with its very useful English-language
inscriptions. The catalogue, also in English, is another addition to the
museum's list of internationally known publications.
Catalogue: Written in the Stars. Art and Symbolism of the Zodiac.
Catalogue No. 452. 144 pp., 85 illustrations. ISBN 965-278-273-4. Soft
cover $27.50 + shipping. Can be ordered online from:
http://www.imj.org.il/shop/new.html
The Israel Museum, POB 71117, Jerusalem 91710, Israel,
Tel: 972-2-6708811, Fax: 972-2-5631833. URL: http://www.imj.org.il/
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and holidays: 10 am - 4 pm;
Tuesday: 4 - 9 pm; Thurs: 10 am - 9 pm; Friday and holiday eves: 10 am -
2 pm; Sunday: closed.
A web version of the exhibition can be seen at:
http://www.imj.org.il/zodiac/index-e.html
[Source: The International Coronelli Society for the Study of Globes,
News 2001, p. 19; Web site]
An exhibition on the life and work of Werner Heisenberg is currently on
display in Leipzig and Munich. The exhibition is supposed to provide the
visitor a condensed impression of life and work of Werner Heisenberg, the
great scientist and personage. The following historical documents have been
used: photos of Heisenberg, his friends, family and associates from all
periods; testimonies and letters; excerpts from newspapers, manuscripts and
printed papers, declarations and public addresses. The exhibition has been
planned and worked out by the University Archive of Leipzig University
(Gerald Wiemers) and the Max-Planck-Institut fuer Physik in Munich (Helmut
Rechenberg). It continues as a touring exhibition in Germany in 2002.
3 December 2001 to 15 January 2002:
Physikalisches Institut, Linnestrasse 5, Leipzig, Germany
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00, except on sundays and public holidays
5 December 2001 to 7 January 2002:
Max-Planck-Haus, Hofgartenstrasse 8, 80539 Munich, Germany
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00, except on sundays and public holidays
More information:
http://www.heisenberg-centennial.de/
http://www.uni-leipzig.de/archiv/heisenberg/
There is a small exhibition from 20 November 2001 to February 2002 at the
Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris, "Time in the temples of ancient Egypt",
centered upon a recently acquired statuette, formerly in the Time Museum,
Rockford.
Musee des Arts et Metiers, 60, rue Reaumur, 75003 Paris, France
URL: http://www.cnam.fr/museum/
[Source: Minutes of the 20th Plenary Session of the Scientific Instrument
Commission, http://www.sic.iuhps.org/conf2001/se_mins.htm]
An exhibition on the life and work of the physician and astronomer Wilhelm
Olbers (1758-1840) ("Neue Welten: Wilhelm Olbers und die
Naturwissenschaften um 1800") has been prepared by the Institute for the
History of Science at Hamburg University and the Braunschweigisches
Landesmuseum. The exhibition has been on display at the Staats- und
Universitaetsbibliothek Hamburg from 28 August until 13 October 2001 and is
currently being shown at the Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum (from 17
November 2001 until 17 February 2002).
Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum, Burgplatz 1, 38100 Braunschweig,
Germany; Phone: (0531) 484-2602, Fax: 484-2607,
e-mail: blm@blm.bs.shuttle.de
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am - 5 pm, Thursday 10 am - 8 pm
For more detailed information see
http://www.math.uni-hamburg.de/math/ign/events/olbers.htm
"Footprints of the lion: Isaac Newton at work" is the title of an
exhibition at the Cambridge University Library from 9 October 2001 to 23
March 2002. It is the first to illustrate the complete range of Newton's
intellectual activities in physics, astronomy, mathematics, natural
philosophy, theology, and alchemy. It is also the first time that some of
Newton's earliest letters and papers, preserved in the Macclesfield
Collection and recently purchased by the University Library, have been
placed on public display.
Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DR, England,
Phone: 01223 333000, Fax: 01223 333160, e-mail: exhibitions@lib.cam.ac.uk,
URL: http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09.00-18.00, Friday 09.00-16.30
Admission free.
"Exploring Space" is the title of a special exhibitions in two museums in
Hampshire, England. Plenty of models and hands-on experiments as well as
historic astronomic instruments are on display.
15 September 2001 - 5 January 2002:
Westbury Manor Museum, West Street, Fareham, Hampshire, UK,
phone: (01329) 824895
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
Admission is free.
19 January to 27 April 2002:
Eastleigh Museum, 25 High Street, Eastleigh, Hampshire UK,
phone: (02380) 643026
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
Admission is free.
More information: http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/exhibitions/space.html
On October 10, 2001, Philosophical Hall (American Philosophical Society,
Philadelphia, PA) launched its first ongoing exhibition program in 190
years with the opening of the exhibition "From the Laboratory to the
Parlor: Scientific Instruments in Philadelphia, 1750-1875." On view until
31 March 2003, this exhibition draws on the Society's fine arts and objects
collections along with period books and archival materials from the
library. Objects include surveying instruments used to draw the Mason-Dixon
Line.
American Philosophical Society, 104 South Fifth Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3385, USA, phone (215) 440-3400
URL: http://www.amphilsoc.org/exhibitions/
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement:
------------------------
Ethnoastronomy in the West African Sub-Region
---------------------------------------------
The Centre for Advanced Humanities and Social Research,
Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Presents an International Conference on
ETHNO-ASTRONOMY IN THE WEST AFRICAN SUB-REGION
Date: 2002 May 8 - 11
Venue: University of Nigeria, Nsukka
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Organising Committee of the International Conference on Ethno-Astronomy
in West African Sub-region (Africa_ethnoastro 2002) invites you to
participate at the Conference.
The aims of the Conference include the following:
* To unearth the body of traditional knowledge of astronomy by peoples of
the West African sub-region.
* To re-interprete this body of knowledge in the light of modern/western
astronomy.
* To understand the ways and degrees through which this knowledge and
beliefs shaped the lived realities of the people of this region.
* Sub-Themes:
- Theoretical and Methodological Issues in the study of Ethno-Astronomy
- Cosmogonies and Creation Myths
- Indigenous Lore of Celestial Bodies
- Ethno-Astronomy and indigenous calendars, cycles, seasons, and
festivals.
- Cultural Representations of Ethno-Astronomy
- Comparative Studies on Ethno-Astronomy
- Ethno-Astronomy and the Environment
Registration/Participation fee: US $100.00.
Payment for local participants shall be made in cash or certified bank
draft payable to:
Damian Opata
Director,
Centre for Advanced Humanities & Social Research,
Faculty of Arts,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Foreign participants should pay on arrival.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Intending participants are invited to submit titles and abstracts of papers
(preferably by e-mail), which must be in English and not more than 200
words. Choice of presentation (oral or poster) should be indicated. The
abstract should bear the title of the work, name(s) (surname first) and
address(es) of the author(s). The name of the presenter for a jointly
authored abstract should be underlined. Acceptance for presentation shall
be based on the content, relevance to the theme of the conference and time
of receipt. Deadline for submission shall be December 22, 2001.
Download the plain text Registration Form from the conference's web site
(see below), complete it and e-mail to:
Johnson Urama
Secretary, LOC Africa_ethnoastro 2002
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
e-mail: johnson@hartrao.ac.za or johnsonurama@yahoo.com
TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
First Announcement - 2001 Aug. 15
Deadline for submission of abstracts - 2001 Dec. 22
Second announcement - 2002 Mar. 05
Submission of full paper - 2002 May 08
Publishing of the Proceedings - 2003 Feb.
Sponsorship
Depending on the availability of funds, there could be partial sponsorship
of some participants. All those needing sponsorship are requested to e-mail
the organiser not later than the end of October, 2001.
More information: www.hartrao.ac.za/conferences/ethno2002/ethno2002.html
[Source: Web site]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement:
------------------------
Figures de l'antinewtonianisme/Faces of anti-Newtonianism, 1672-1832
--------------------------------------------------------------------
24-25 May 2002
Center for History and Philosophy of Science, Department of Philosophy,
University of Paris-X (Nanterre), France
CALL FOR PAPERS: Historians have often regarded the opposition encountered
by Newtonianism during its triumphal progress in the 18th and 19th
centuries as little more than conservative reaction or temporary
misunderstanding. Yet from Leibniz and Berkeley to Goethe and the
Naturphilosophen, powerful critics manifested profound dissatisfaction with
both the scientific content and the philosophical foundations of
Newtonianism. The aim of the colloquium is to engage in a critical
reexamination of anti-Newtonianism by exploring its diverse origins, the
content of its arguments and practices, and its scientific and
philosophical consequences. The colloquium will be organized around four
major themes (subthemes listed are indicative, not exhaustive):
1. The principals of Newtonian mechanics. Cartesian reactions to the
publication of the Principia Mathematica; critiques of Leibniz, Huygens,
Fontenelle, and others of central Newtonian concepts (attraction, force,
relative and absolute motion, space and time.)
2. Theories of matter. Reception of and resistance to the research program
of the Queries in Newton's Opticks; the encounter of Newtonianism with
established research traditions in chemistry.
3. Hypothesis and experiment. The 18th century epistemological debate
regarding the legitimacy of the experimental method and inductive
generalization, the proscription of hypotheses, the relation of mathematics
to experience, and the validity of the method of fluxions; competing forms
of experimental practice in the work of Rizetti, Mariotte, Goethe, and
others.
4. Scientific knowledge and human culture. The evolving (post-Principia)
image of the cultural role of natural science; philosophical (Berkeley) and
poetical (Swift, Coleridge, Blake, Goethe) critiques of the Newtonian
conception of nature; theological objections to Newtonianism.
To propose a paper (30 minutes, either in French or English), please send a
short abstract and a curriculum vitae to either:
Philippe Hamou
Universite de Paris X - Nanterre, Departement de Philosophie
200, avenue de la Republique, 92001 Nanterre, France
tel/fax : (+33)-1-40-97-75-17 or (+33)-1-42-23-38-32
e-mail: PhilippeHamou@aol.com
Neil Ribe
Institut de Physique du Globe
4 Place Jussieu, 75252 Parix cedex 05, France
tel (+33)-1-44-27-24-79
fax (+33)-1-44-27-24-81
e-mail: ribe@ipgp.jussieu.fr
[Text provided by Neil Ribe.]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
Call for Papers:
----------------
Nathaniel Bowditch and the Art and Science of Navigation, 1802-2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Salem State College, 8-10 November 2002
The Bowditch Institute of Salem will celebrate the bicentennial of
Nathaniel Bowditch's "The New American Practical Navigator" with a
conference on the topic, "Nathaniel Bowditch: The Art and Science of
Navigation, 1802-2002" to be held at Salem State College in Salem,
Massachusetts, November 8-10, 2002. The conference will use Bowditch as
a touchstone for exploring the state of the maritime sciences and
commerce of his age, as well as the legacy of his contributions into the
21st century.
Befitting the broad range of Bowditch's activities - five commercial
voyages to the East, advancement of celestial navigation and maritime
cartography, contributions to the development of insurance and civic
institutions - we welcome papers and panel proposals that address a
broad range of aspects of the topic, historical or current, in both the
humanities and sciences. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged,
and the Bowditch Institute warmly invites participation by scholars,
teachers, and museum and historic site professionals to join us in
exploring the interconnections between maritime history, science, and
commerce in the Early Republic, as well as Bowditch's legacy in these
areas today.
The conference will take place in historic Salem seaport, and will
feature venues at the home of Nathaniel Bowditch (under restoration),
the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Athaneum, the Salem Maritime
National Historic Site, and Salem State College. Attendant activities
will include museum and historic site visits, including tours of the
replica 1797 merchant vessel "Friendship".
Proposals of not more than 250 words and a one-page c.v. must be
received by March 31, 2002. Send to: Dr. Dane Morrison, Chair,
Department of History, Salem State College, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem,
MA 01970, USA. E-mail: .
Phone: (978) 542-7134. Website: www.nathanielbowditch.org
[Source: Press Release distributed through the Rete discussion group.]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 48, Dec. 17, 2001
...........................................................................
Conferences 2002-2004
---------------------
Further conferences in the years 2002 and 2003 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
January 6-10, 2002, Washington, DC, USA
199th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Session 1. HAD I: New Views of Historical Research in the 21st Century
Session 15. HAD IV: New Views of Historical Topics
Session 31. HAD II: The Development of American Astrophysics: Ideas,
Instruments, Observatories and Astronomers
Session 40. HAD III: Some Controversies in the History of Astronomy
Registration: AAS 199th Meeting, American Astronomical Society, 2000
Florida Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009-1231, USA, Tel:
202-328-2010, FAX: 202-234-7850, E-mail: reg-help@aas.org
URL: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas199/program/
January 18, 2002
Colloquium on the history of astronomy at Kuffner Observatory
Contacts: Peter Habison, Kuffner-Sternwarte, Johann Staud-Strasse 10,
1160 Wien, Austria, Phone: +43 1 9148130, Fax: +43 1 9148130/31
e-mail: phabison@kuffner.ac.at
May 30 - June 2, Nuremberg, Germany
Annual Meeting of the Sundial Working Group [Arbeitskreises Sonnenuhren] in
the German Chronometric Society [Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Chronometrie]
Contacts: Ludwig Engelhardt, Hohenzollernstr. 38, 90475 Nuernberg, Germany,
Phone (0911) 837445, Fax (0911) 9837579, e-mail: nbg@planet-interkom.de
September 9-14, 2002, Athens, Greece
XXI Scientific Instrument Symposium
Contacts: Eftymios Nicolaidis (e-mail: efnicol@eie.gr) and Giorgi
Vlahakis (e-mail: gvlahakis@eie.gr), National Helenic Research
Foundation, Vassileos Constantinou 48, 11635 Athens, Greece.
URLs: http://www.sic.iuhps.org/conf2002/
http://www.weblab.gr/hasi/sic2002/
September 23-25, Nuremberg, Germany
X Symposium of the International Coronelli Society for the Study of Globes
Contacts: International Coronelli Society,
c/o Oesterreichische Nationalbibliothek, Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Vienna,
Austria, Fax: +43-1-53410319, e-mail: vincenzo@coronelli.org
September 23-28, 2002, Berlin, Germany
Scientific Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft,
with Colloquium on the History of Astronomy
(probably on 27 and 28 September)
Details will be announced later.
June 19-22, 2003, Notre Dame, IN, USA
Sixth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
Contacts: Matthew F. Dowd, Univ. of Notre Dame, Hist. & Phil. of
Science, 346 O'Shaughnessy Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA,
e-mail: Matthew.F.Dowd.11@nd.edu
July 14-26, 2003, Sydney, Australia
IAU General Assembly
Several history of astronomy sessions are planned, such as Working Group
Meetings, Business Meetings, Science Meetings, a joint C41/C46 session
on the history of astronomy education activities, and possibly a Joint
Discussion. Details will be announced later.
Contacts: Dr. Wayne Orchiston, Australia, e-mail: wo@aaoepp.aao.gov.au
September 30 - October 4, 2003, Newport News, Virginia, USA
XXII Scientific Instrument Symposium
Details will be announced later.
September 2004, Dresden, Germany
XXIII Scientific Instrument Symposium
Details will be announced later.
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank the author, Chris Sterken, and in addition:
Ludwig Engelhardt, Peter Habison, Guenther Oestmann, Wayne Orchiston, Neil
Ribe, Cambridge University Library, Internationale Coronelli-Gesellschaft.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 49
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 49, December 19, 2001 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Glenn A. Walsh: 60th Anniversary of Astronomical Observatory at
Original Buhl Planetarium
2. F. Richard Stephenson et al.:
The Inter-Union Commission for History of Astronomy
3. The International Interdisciplinary Scientific Association
"Astroarchaeocaucasus"
4. Stuart Williams: Bringing British Local Astronomy History to
First Light: An Invitation
5. Stuart Williams: Historia Coelestis - A New Astronomy History Forum
6. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
60th Anniversary of Astronomical Observatory at Original Buhl Planetarium
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Glenn A. Walsh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Monday, November 19, 2001, marked the 60th anniversary of the dedication of
"The People's Observatory" at the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute
of Popular Science in Allegheny Center on Pittsburgh's North Side.
Although dedicated to public use, The People's Observatory was constructed
to research observatory specifications, at a cost of $30,000 (1941
dollars).
This included the erection of the Observatory's fairly unique telescope,
the 10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope produced by Chicago's
Gaertner Scientific Company. Unlike most telescopes, the Siderostat-type
telescope is mounted horizontally on a concrete base and does not move. A
moving mirror, behind the telescope, reflects the Sun, Moon, planets, and
stars into the telescope. This telescope continues to be the second
largest operable, Siderostat-type telescope in the world!
Well-known Astronomer Harlow Shapley, who was then Director of the Harvard
College Observatory, presented the keynote address at the dedication
ceremony. First Light, through the Siderostat-type telescope, came from
the ringed-planet Saturn.
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science had actually been
dedicated and conveyed to the City of Pittsburgh, by the Buhl Foundation
(at that time, thirteenth largest foundation in the country!), on October
24, 1939. Prior to the Observatory dedication ceremony, Buhl's third floor
observatory had been used by the Amateur Astronomers' Association of
Pittsburgh (AAAP) for public observing with portable telescopes. Once the
Siderostat was in use, AAAP members supervised public observing sessions on
clear evenings - at that time, Buhl was open to the public every evening
(except New Year's Day) until 10:30 p.m.!
Along with the acquisition of Buhl's Zeiss II Planetarium Projector (now
the oldest operable, major planetarium projector in the world!), the Buhl
Planetarium also ordered a portable telescope from the Carl Zeiss Optical
Works in Jena, Germany in 1939, for use in the Observatory. To the dismay
of Buhl officials when opening the package from Germany, they received a
4-inch terrestrial refracting telescope (which uses additional optics to
show a right-side-up image); they had ordered an astronomical refractor
telescope (which has fewer lenses to degrade the image and shows an
upside-down image).
However, with the commencement of World War II on September 1, 1939, they
could not return the telescope to Germany and have an astronomical
refractor sent in its place. Hence, they had to make-do with a terrestrial
refractor. So, today the City of Pittsburgh owns a good Zeiss telescope
(now used at the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory of The
Carnegie Science Center) with a very interesting history!
In addition to evening use, the Siderostat projects a superb display of the
Sun onto a large projection screen, showing both sunspots and granulation
on the solar surface. Also, during daytime hours, the public has been able
to view the planets Mercury, Venus (showing phase), Mars, and Jupiter
(including cloud belts), as well as the Moon and stars down to third
magnitude, with the Siderostat.
Although primarily used for public observing, the Siderostat has been used
for some research, from time-to-time. During the 1980s, Buhl Planetarium
Lecturer Francis G. Graham (Founder of the American Lunar Society) took
photographs of the South Pole area of the Moon, as part of a cooperative
research project with other American astronomers. These photographs aided
the production of a better map of the South Pole area of the Moon, than
existed at that time.
Dedicated as "The People's Observatory" in 1941, this name fell out of use
after World War II. During the Cold War, the proliferation of Communist
states known as "People's Republics" tarnished the meaning of the word
"People's." Hence, "The People's Observatory" name was no longer used -
which is a shame considering that Buhl Planetarium used the word "People's"
first!
Another interesting historic anecdote: On the same evening of the
Observatory dedication, Buhl started a new Planetarium Sky Show and opened
a new gallery exhibit. The Sky Show, regarding Celestial Navigation, was
titled "Bombers by Starlight" (Buhl provided Celestial Navigation classes
to many military servicemen, during World War II). The new exhibit, in
Buhl's lower-level Octagon Gallery (which encircles the planetarium
projector pit, below the planetarium's "Theater of the Stars") was titled
"Can America Be Bombed?" This exhibit opened two and one-half weeks before
the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii!
Although Buhl Planetarium's People's Observatory has not been used since
1994, it is hoped that it may be reopened to the public within the next few
years.
More information on the history of The People's Observatory at Buhl
Planetarium can be learned on the Internet at the following address:
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com >.
Author's address: Glenn A. Walsh, e-mail: gawalsh@planetarium.cc
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
The Inter-Union Commission for History of Astronomy
---------------------------------------------------
By F. Richard Stephenson, Alexander Gurshtein, Wayne Orchiston,
and Stephen J. Dick
We are very pleased to report the recent formation of the Inter-Union
Commission for History of Astronomy (ICHA) by the International
Astronomical Union (IAU) and the International Union of the History and
Philosophy of Science (IUHPS). The ICHA is an international body
representing the interests of all professional historians of astronomy
worldwide. It encourages research by members, facilitates communication
between researchers, organizes scientific meetings, undertakes
collaborative projects, and publishes a newsletter. The Union will also
prepare recommendations for the IAU and the IUHPS, and liaise with other
international organisations.
Membership is open to the entire history of astronomy community. Those
who are IAU members become full members of the Commission, while those
who conduct their research through the IUHPS become associate members.
New members (of either kind) are elected to the ICHA at the triennial
General Assemblies of the IAU (the next one is in Sydney, Australia, in
July 2003).
The ICHA is governed by an Organising Committee (OC) of ten. The
inaugural OC, which is based upon the current OC of IAU Commission 41,
comprises:
President: Prof Richard Stephenson (UK: f.r.stephenson@durham.ac.uk)
Vice-President: Prof Alex Gurshtein (Russia: agurshtein@hotmail.com)
Secretary: Dr Wayne Orchiston (Australia: wo@aaoepp.aao.gov.au)
Members: Dr Steven Dick (USA: steve.dick@usno.navy.mil)
Dr Wolfgang Dick (Germany: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de)
Prof Rajesh Kochhar (India: rkochhar2000@yahoo.com)
Dr Tsuko Nakamura (Japan: tsuko@cc.nao.ac.jp)
Prof Il-Seong Nha (Korea: SLISNHA@chollian.net)
Prof Woodruff Sullivan (USA: woody@astro.washington.edu)
Prof Brian Warner (South Africa: Warner@physci.uct.ac.za)
A new OC will be elected at the Sydney General Assembly.
Production of ICHA Newsletters is the responsibility of an Editorial
Board elected by the ICHA OC. The following inaugural Editorial Board
has been formed: Dr Ileana Chinnici (Italy), Professor Alex Gurshtein
(Russia), Dr Wayne Orchiston (Australia) and Professor Richard
Stephenson. At this stage, our intention is to distribute two
newsletters per year, in June and December.
The establishment of a genuine Inter-Union Commission is a major step
forward for the history of astronomy community. IAU Commission 41 was
founded in 1948, and for decades there was close co-operation between
colleagues from this Commission and those associated with the IUHPS.
During the 1970s an attempt was made to have C41 formally recognised as
a joint Commission of the two Unions, but this initiative was
unsuccessful. However, this did not stop colleagues from collaborating
on a number of important joint projects, including the Greenwich
Tercentenary Symposium in 1979, the General History of Astronomy volumes
(1982), and in more recent years (during the 1990s) the international
documentation of astronomical archives.
Even though its status was unchanged, in 1994 the idea somehow took hold
that C41 had become "A joint IAU-IUHPS Commission" (IAU Transactions
XXIIB, p. 207), and this notion was perpetuated through the 1994 ICSU
Yearbook (see p. 104). Once this fiction of a "Joint Commission" or
"Inter-Union Commission" was established, it was subsequently accepted
without question by those associated with the IAU and the
IUHPS - including the undersigned!
It was only in late 2000 that the true situation was discovered, and the
quest for a genuine Inter-Union Commission became a priority of the C41
OC. This proved a daunting task, and one which involved many months of
research, consultation and negotiation, never-ending e-mail exchanges,
frequent international telephone calls, and even meetings in Paris.
However, all this is now behind us, and under the aegis of the ICHA
historians of astronomy worldwide can look forward to an era of
unprecedented harmonious co-operation and collaboration.
[Source: The ICHA Newsletter, No. 1, June 2001, p. 2-3; slightly abridged.]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
The International Interdisciplinary Scientific Association
----------------------------------------------------------
"Astroarchaeocaucasus"
----------------------
As it is known, Archaeoastronomy is a new interesting interdisciplinary
direction. Astronomic outlook of the Ancients, according to artifacts,
archaeological exhibits, ethnical materials is studied by astronomers,
physicists, mathematicians, archaeologists, historians, ethnographers and
specialists of other branches of science and culture. Uniformity and
similarity of astral representations of geometrical figures of ancient
artifacts points to the propinquity of the cultures of various peoples
of the world. The Caucasus is a good example of this. Here, on the
crossing of cultures and civilizations one can meet artifacts,
archaeological findings, ancient items with astronomical, cosmological,
proper geometrical symbols and signs having similar shape and ornaments,
scientific-philosophical content. Direct and symbolic representation of
heavenly bodies and their systems are found on ancient stone and
metallic articles, on the walls of cult buildings, plates, coins,
women's adornments, weapons and house utensils of ancient peoples of the
Caucasus. This very rich archaeoastronomic material is poorly studied.
This layer of culture needs thorough investigation and popularization.
On February 22, 2001 the new International Interdisciplinary Scientific
Association "Astroarchaeocaucasus" was founded by an initiative group
consisting of specialists of different fields of sciences and culture.
This international association gathers specialists of astronomy,
physics, mathematics, archaeology, history, ethnography,
culture-studying, information science, etc.
On June 29, 2001, the International Interdisciplinary Scientific
Association was registered by the Georgian State Court of Justice as an
international non-governmental organization.
The main objectives of the association's activities are:
1. Search and investigation of archaeoastronomic artifacts on the
territory of the Caucasian countries.
2. Identification, interpretation, cataloguization of archaeoastronomic
artifacts, both discovered recently or kept at the centres and bases of
archaeological expeditions.
3. Comparative analysis of the Caucasian archaeoastronomic artifacts and
the archaeoastronomic artifacts from other regions of the world.
4. Holding seminars and conferences on Caucasian archaeoastronomy.
5. Publication of bulletins, journals, books on archaeoastronomy of the
Caucasian region.
6. Cooperation with specialists of different countries of the world,
with international organizations, scientific centres, universities,
museums, and libraries.
At present we work on holding the first in Georgia and in the Caucasus
seminar on archaeoastronomy and on preparing the first edition of a
bulletin.
We invite you to become a member of our association. We will be glad to
see you among the specialists of different fields of sciences and culture
not only from all regions of the Caucasus, but from the whole world. We
candidly believe in cooperation with the scientific centres and other
associations of scientists.
The forms of cooperation can be of various kinds, flexible, beginning
with carrying out joint field investigations and ending with the
publications of joint scientific works, bulletins and books. You may
propose your individual form of cooperation as well. We are ready to
accept financial support, donations from patrons, businessmen, or
commercial companies. Our principle is objectivity in science, culture
without limitation, scientists without politics.
To become a member of our association or to cooperate with us by
individual programs, please contact us at the address given below.
President: Dr. Irakli Simonia
Secretary: George Chumburidze
Address: astroarchaeo@ti.net.ge
[Text provided by Irakli Simania.]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
Bringing British Local Astronomy History to First Light: An Invitation
----------------------------------------------------------------------
By Stuart Williams, Bloxwich, England
The story of the history of astronomy is a fascinating and often dramatic
one. The point and counterpoint of momentous discoveries, eccentric and
often adventurous characters, remarkable observatories and great telescopes
form as much a history of humanity as does the march of armies and the life
and death of kings. For the tale of the rise of science brings us to where
we are, and what we know about the universe, today. It puts our world in
context.
Yet, as with much history, the story of the 'ordinary' men and women, the
amateur scientists who work solely for the love of knowledge and the beauty
of the night sky, and that of the working scientists, the assistants, the
telescope makers, the observatory architects, the society organisers and
magazine publishers, the great lecturers and the popular authors, is all
too often lost in the stellar glare of the great men of our great science.
In the last twenty years there has been a tremendous rise in the popularity
of local history of the general kind, the history of towns and people where
we all live. It is the province of the amateur historian as well as the
professional and the academic, and much good research is done 'for the love
of it'. Amateur astronomers know well the kind of contribution they can
make to their favourite science. They can also make a similar - and in many
cases even more significant - contribution to the history of that science,
especially at the local level. The amateur especially, being 'on the scene'
as it were, can take up the cause of the local astronomer, the forgotten
observatory, the unknown observer, the obscure telescope maker or the
'companion stars' of the great names.
Such research is important, as much information is hidden in the mists of
time - and in the local and county record offices and the archives of
societies and museums across the nation. It is also fun, and if approached
in the right way can make a great contribution to the history of science -
but it needs time and effort to bring it to light. In cloudy weather, a
cosy record office is also more inviting than a wet and windy backyard, and
provides a respite from that bane of astronomers - the British weather!
I work as a local historian and archive photographer in England, and have a
great interest both in amateur astronomy and in the history of astronomy.
Earlier this year, therefore, I approached the eminent and popular
astronomy historian Dr. Allan Chapman of Wadham College, Oxford, with a
concept for a national survey of local astronomy history. The idea was to
encourage the formation of a network of both budding and experienced
astronomy historians, whether amateur or professional, to work on a
voluntary basis at the local level, surveying, photographing and
researching local astronomers, observatories, planetaria, telescope makers,
societies etc, of all periods.
Anyone who has read Dr. Chapman's inspiring book 'The Victorian Amateur
Astronomer', or heard him speak on the subject, will know the kind of
research of which I write. Dr. Chapman received my suggestion
enthusiastically, and further suggested the formation of a 'Society for the
History of Astronomy' to coordinate the work, its publication, its
dissemination and its preservation. While Dr. Chapman is unable to take
part in the day to day running of such an organisation due to other
commitments, he has nevertheless kindly offered his support. The Royal
Astronomical Society's Librarian, Mr. Peter D. Hingley, has also expressed
interest in housing at least a copy of any research at the RAS Library.
I know that there are people out there doing this kind of research in
isolation, or who are interested in taking it up but are not sure how.
Working together, we can bring the local history of astronomy to light, as
well as enjoying its national and international story. I am therefore
inviting anyone who might be interested in helping to organise and take
part in such a national survey of local astronomy history, and in helping
to form a new Society for the History of Astronomy, to contact me, with a
view to organising a meeting in the New Year. If there is sufficient
interest, then a start can be made. Interested parties should write,
stating their interests and research experience, and enclosing an s.a.e.,
to: Stuart Williams, F.R.A.S., 26 Matlock Road, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 3QD,
Great Britain. Or, by email, to: flamsteed@btinternet.com
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
Historia Coelestis - A New Astronomy History Forum
--------------------------------------------------
By Stuart Williams, Bloxwich, England
'Historia Coelestis' is a new Yahoo Group set up as an electronic
discussion forum for all those interested in the study of the History of
Astronomy and of Star Lore, especially that of the ancient Greeks. It is a
place to exchange knowledge and ideas and to comment on both contemporary
and earlier work and publications, books etc in these specific subjects,
whether academic, popular or amateur, and local, national or international
in scope.
Historia Coelestis is open to both professional and amateur researchers or
those with a general interest in the subject, whether interested in the
'big names' in the history of astronomy or the lesser-known (or indeed,
unknown!) amateur and professional players at the local level.
'Historia Coelestis' at Yahoo! Groups, a free, easy-to-use email group
service, was founded on August 19, 2001. Currently is has about 60
members. Historia Coelestis means (among other things) "The Story of the
Heavens" in Latin.
To learn more about this group or to subscribe, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/historiacoelestis
To subscribe, you may also send a message to
historiacoelestis-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
The list owner may be contacted at
historiacoelestis-owner@yahoogroups.com
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 49, Dec. 19, 2001
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 58,
7. September 2001, Item 5.)
Koch, Juergen W.: Der Hamburger Spritzenmeister und Mechaniker Johann Georg
Repsold (1770 - 1830), ein Beispiel fuer die Feinmechanik im norddeutschen
Raum zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts. Hamburg, 2001. 396 p., ill., ISBN
3-8311-2016-1, Paperback DM 58.67, Euro 30.00.
[On the astronomer and instrument maker Johann Georg Repsold. In German.
Production: Libri Books on Demand. Available at www.amazon.de.]
Schaldach, Karlheinz: Roemische Sonnenuhren. Eine Einfuehrung in die antike
Gnomonik [Roman sundials. An introduction into ancient gnomonics. - In
German]. 3., korr. Aufl. [3d, corr. ed.] Frankfurt am Main: Verlag Harri
Deutsch, 2001. 123 p., 66 ill., tabs., 15 x 21 cm, ISBN 3-8171-1649-7,
Paperback DM 29.80
Wolfschmidt, Gudrun; Seemann, Agnes; Kuehl, Dieter: Hamburger Sternwarte -
Geschichte und Erhaltung [Hamburg Observatory - History and Preservation. -
In German.] Mit Beitraegen von [With contributions by] K.-J. Schramm, M.
Huensch und E. Bollweg. Hamburg, 2001. 60 p., numerous ill., 19 x 27 cm,
ISBN 3-8311-2159-1, Paperback DM 14.80 (Foerderverein Hamburger Sternwarte
e.V.; Bd. 1)
[Production: Libri Books on Demand. Available at www.amazon.de. Online
version: http://www.hs.uni-hamburg.de/german/persons/kuehl/brosch/buch.PDF]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Juergen Koch, Irakli Simonia, and Gudrun Wolfschmidt.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 50
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 50, August 30, 2002 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
Editorial
1. History of Astronomy Working Groups
2. Paul Bunge Prize for the History of Scientific Instruments 2003
3. Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society
4. Conference Announcement: History of astronomy in Marseille and Provence
5. The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena - Fourth Conference
6. Forthcoming Conferences
7. Past Conferences
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Editorial
---------
Dear readers,
This is the 50th issue of this newsletter, the first of which appeared
in early 1994. I would like to thank all those who contributed to these
50 issues, and my thanks are also to all readers for their interest.
The number of subscribers has been growing permanently up to about 270
at present. Unfortunately, some subscribers change their addresses
without notification. This causes a lot of work for me, because I have
to handle the error messages: these have to be stored to check whether
it is a permanent or a temporary problem. Sometimes the error "User
not known" is due to a technical problem at the user's site. Therefore
I ask you to let me know in advance about changes of your address.
By the way, there is a possibility to receive notification messages
instead of receiving the complete newsletter by e-mail. You may then
download the new issue from the web server when it is convenient for
you. This is especially of use when you have a limited quota for your
mailbox. (Error messages from mailboxes being over quota are another
problem for me.)
All previous issues are available at
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/enha/
for downloading. The "Astronomiae Historia / History of Astronomy" site
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/ , which is also accessible through
http://www.astrohist.org/ , contains much more information and many
thousand links on history of astronomy topics.
This issue is being late for about half a year due to privat circumstances
(among these a very happy one - the birth of a second boy in April this
year). Therefore several conferences can only be announced as past ones
(see Item 7). I ask for your understanding.
I am looking forward to receiving more interesting material from you to
be published in the next issues. But I also ask you for your patience
when I will be late with my replies.
Best regards
Wolfgang R. Dick
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Working Groups
-----------------------------------
By F. Richard Stephenson and Wayne Orchiston
Introduction
Currently Commission 41 "History of Astronomy" of the International
Astronomical Union (IAU) has four active Working Groups (WGs), on archives,
astronomical chronology, historical astronomical instruments and transits
of Venus. The aim of each WG is to foster the exchange of information and
ideas between colleagues with similar research interests, and in some
instances to organise collaborative research projects. Although the WGs
were set up by the IAU, membership is open to the entire international
history of astronomy community.
Information about the four WGs follows. If you are involved in researching
any of these areas and would like to join a particular WG simply contact
the relevant Committee chair person (e-mail addresses are given below). WG
membership is free, and you can join immediately - there is no need to wait
until the next IAU General Assembly.
The Archives WG
At the 1991 General Assembly in Buenos Aires the following C14 Resolution
was adopted:
"that the Union supports the initiatives taken by them [Commissions 41
and 5]
1. to establish a register of the whereabouts of all extant astronomical
archives of historical interest;
2. to impress on observatories and other institutions their responsibility
for the preservation, conservation, and where possible, cataloguing of such
archives;
3. to search for an institution that will allocate space and funds for
maintaining such a register and publishing it." (Proceedings of the
Twenty-First General Assembly, p. 77).
Commission 41 then formed an Archives WG to further the objectives of this
Resolution, and in the course of the next three years some progress was
made in compiling national inventories of astronomical archives.
Two archival Resolutions proposed by C41 were adopted at the 1994 General
Assembly in The Hague, and a number of members presented papers on their
archival researches, and there were also discussions regarding the IAU
archives.
A further archival Resolution was adopted at the C41 Business Meeting at
the 1997 General Assembly in Kyoto, and at the 2000 General Assembly in
Manchester a half-day Special Session on "Inventory and Preservation of
Astronomical Archives, Records and Artifacts" was held. Hopefully a WG
Meeting will be held at the 2003 General Assembly in Sydney where
colleagues will be able to report on their work during the triennium.
The Committee members of the Archives Working Group are: Dr Suzanne
Debarbat (France - Chair, e-mail: Suzanne.Debarbat@obspm.fr), Dr Dan Green
(USA), and Mr Peter Hingley (UK).
The Astronomical Chronology WG
This WG was formed at the 2000 Manchester General Assembly specifically in
order to compile a wide-ranging internationally-approved master list of the
major milestones in the history of astronomy (including key instruments,
astronomical phenomena, discoveries and ideas) that profoundly influenced
its development. A meeting to review progress made in addressing these
objectives is planned for the 2003 Sydney General Assembly.
The Committee members of this WG are: Professor Alex Gurshtein (Russia -
Chair, e-mail: agurshtein@hotmail.com), Professor Adriaan Blaauw
(Netherlands), Dr Teije de Jong (Netherlands) and Professor Brian Warner
(South Africa).
The Historical Instruments WG
When the Archives WG was set up in 1991 there was discussion about whether
to include historical instruments within the gambut of an enlarged WG, but
it was decided at that time to defer such a move until progress had been
made with the archives initiative.
Subsequently, a Resolution urging preservation of surviving instruments
associated with the measurement of the arc of the meridian made by F.G.W.
Struve was adopted at the C41 Business Meeting at the 1997 General Assembly
in Kyoto.
At the 2000 Manchester General Assembly members of C41 felt the time was
right to form an Historical Instruments WG as a complement to the Archives
WG. The objectives of this new WG are: to draw up an inventory of all
internationally-significant astronomical instruments; to assemble a
bibliography of existing publications relating to such instruments; and to
encourage colleagues to carry out research and publish their results. A WEB
Site has already been set up (www://my.dreamwiz.com/snha), and a start has
been made on the listing of historically-significant astronomical
instruments. Meanwhile, this WG also plans to hold a meeting at the 2003
General Assembly where colleagues can report on their research work during
the triennium.
Committee members of the Historical Instruments WG are: Professor Il-Seong
Nha (Korea - Chair, e-mail: SLISNHA@chollian.net), Dr Wayne Orchiston
(Australia) and Mr John Briggs (USA).
The Transits of Venus WG
At the 2000 General Assembly of the IAU in Manchester, the following
Resolution was adopted at the C41 Business Meeting:
"Recognizing the historical importance of previous transits of Venus and
the numerous transit of Venus expeditions mounted by various countries, and
Noting the rarity of the upcoming transits in 2004 and 2012
Commission 41 Recommends that the sites of previous transit of Venus
expeditions be inventoried, marked and preserved, as well as
instrumentation and documents associated with these expeditions."
In order to take this Resolution forward, a Transits of Venus WG was
formed, with the additional aims of assembling a bibliography of existing
publications relating to all transits of Venus, and encouraging colleagues
to carry out further research and to publish their results. A WG Meeting is
planned for the 2003 General Assembly in Sydney so that colleagues can
report on their work.
The Committee members of this WG are: Dr Wayne Orchiston (Australia -
Chair, e-mail: wo@aaoepp.aao.gov.au), Dr Steven Dick (USA), Professor Alex
Gurshtein (Russia) and Professor Rajesh Kochhar (India).
Source: The ICHA Newsletter, No. 1, June 2001, p. 19-21.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
Paul Bunge Prize for the History of Scientific Instruments 2003
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Hans R. Jenemann Foundation, administered by the German Chemical
Society and the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry, encourages
applications or nominations for the Paul Bunge Prize, awarded for
outstanding contributions to the historiography of scientific instruments,
and endowed with the sum of EUR 7.500.
Applications include a c.v., a complete list of publications, and
inspection copies of the publications submitted. They must reach the GGCh
Office by 30 September 2002.
For further details see or contact
.
Applications should be sent to: Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, Public
Relations Dptmt, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, D-60486 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Editor's note: In the past, the Paul Bunge Prize was awarded several times
also for contributions to the historiography of astronomical instruments.
See, e.g., ENHA No. 43, July 7, 2000, Item 1, and ENHA No. 47, June 21,
2001, Item 4.
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society
----------------------------------------
The Antique Telescope Society will hold its 2002 meeting in Dublin,
Ireland, with trips to Birr, Armagh, and Dunsink; Friday, September 20
through Wednesday, September 25, 2002.
Friday, September 20, Banquet at the Friends of the National Art Gallery
with Keynote Address.
Saturday, September 21, Paper sessions, Displays, Evening sessions.
Sunday, September 22, Paper sessions, Displays, Evening sessions.
Monday, September 23, Tour of Birr Castle, evening observing if possible.
Tuesday, September 24, Tour Megalithic Monument of New Grange, Tour of
Armagh Observatory, Observing at Armagh.
Wednesday, September 25, Tour the National Museum Eggesdorf Collection,
Tour of Dunsink Observatory, Observing at Dunsink.
We will be lodging at Trinity College, Dublin, in hotel-style rooms, at
a cost considerably less than hotels in the immediate area.
Contacts: Peter Abrahams, e-mail: telscope@europa.com
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: History of astronomy in Marseille and Provence
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference in celebration of the Tercentenary of the Observatoire de
Marseille
Venue: Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (part of the Palais Longchamp),
about 200 m away from the present Observatoire de Marseille (Longchamp),
France, lat. 43 degr. 18'16" N., long. 5 degr. 23'38" E.
Dates: 3-9 October 2002
lecture and poster sessions 4-6 October
optional coach excursions 7-8 October:
Observatories of Nice and the Cote d'Azur
Observatories and sites of Haute Provence
departure 9 October
Themes:
Principal theme of the conference: history of astronomy in Marseille and in
Provence, and connections with astronomy elsewhere. Additional emphasis:
the instruments of astronomy. The leitmotiv of the conference will be a
reflection concerning the future of this site and its historical heritage
after the astronomical research facilities are moved to the Technopole at
Chateau Gombert.
The Proceedings of the conference will be published.
Conference languages: English and French.
Registration: There will be a registration fee. The number of participants
will be limited.
Contacts:
Groupe Patrimoine de l'Observatoire de Marseille
2, place Le Verrier
13248 Marseille cedex 4
France
e-mail: patrimoine@oamp.fr
James Caplan - Tel. 04 95 04 41 89
Marie-Louise Prevot - Tel. 04 95 04 41 50
(Fax 04 91 62 11 90)
URL: http://www.oamp.fr/patrimoine/om300.html
What is the Observatoire de Marseille?
The Observatory is the city's oldest scientific establishment. Founded by
the Jesuits, near the Vieux Port, its construction was finished and
observations began in 1702. The Jesuits left in the 1760s when their order
was suppressed in France. In the 1860s, under the instigation of Le
Verrier, the Observatory was moved - with its old instruments, library and
archives - to its present site, the Plateau Longchamp, where it received
the new 80-cm Foucault reflecting telescope. After a decade of operation as
an observational annex of the Paris Observatory, the Marseille Observatory
became autonomous again in the 1870s as part of a national structure, then
including the observatories of Algiers, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse
and Paris. In 1899 it was attached to the University. On 1 January 2000 the
Observatory, under the enlarged name Observatoire Astronomique de
Marseille-Provence, was administratively expanded to include the
Laboratoire d'Astronomie Spatiale in Marseille (an offshoot of the
Observatory, founded in the 1960s) and the Observatoire de Haute Provence,
in Saint Michel, founded in the late 1930s. For more historical
information, see the Chronology (currently only in French) and for
contemporary information see the Web pages of the OAMP.
Tercentenary
The Tercentenary celebration is not limited to this conference. During the
months of October, November and December 2002 there will be numerous
events, mostly open to the general public, and in large part financed by
the City of Marseille; they will be announced on the Web pages of the OAMP.
Many of the staff of the OAMP are contributing to the Tercentenary
celebrations in various ways. As for ourselves - the Groupe Patrimoine -
our principal contribution in addition to the organization of this
Conference will be an 'improved' exposition of our collection of
instruments and archives as an illustration of the history of the
Observatory. In addition, we are collaborating with the City's Office du
Tourisme in designing a "parcours culturel" related to the history of
astronomy in Marseille, and also with the Preau des Accoules, a small
children's museum in the original Observatory building.
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena - Fourth Conference
-------------------------------------------------------------
Magdalen College, Oxford (UK), August 3-9, 2003
THIRD ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS/PAPERS
This is the third announcement for the Fourth International Conference on
The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena ("INSAP IV") which is now
confirmed to take place in Oxford, England, 3-9 August 2003.
As at previous meetings (Castel Gandolfo, 1994; Malta, 1999; Palermo,
2001), the conference will explore humanity's fascination with astronomical
phenomena as strong and often dominant elements in life and culture. The
conference will provide a meeting place for artists and scholars from a
variety of disciplines (including Archaeology and Anthropology, Art and Art
History, Classics, History and Prehistory, the Physical and Social
Sciences, Mythology and Folklore, Philosophy, and Religion) to present and
discuss their studies on the influences of astronomical phenomena and
address topics of common interest.
The fourth meeting will be held at Magdalen College, Oxford (UK), starting
Sunday 3 August, 2003. There will be a wide range of speakers, with those
confirmed including:
Dr Jim Bennett, Director, Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Dr David Brown, University College London (Mesopotamian astrology)
Professor Allan Chapman, University of Oxford (History of Science)
Professor John Heilbron, Fellow of Worcester College Oxford and
former VC of UC Berkeley
Professor Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol (History)
Professor Kristen Lippincott, Director, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Mr Ron Miller, Space Artist (www.black-cat-studios.com)
Professor Paul Murdin, Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, former
Director PPARC
Professor John North, University of Oxford (History of Philosophy)
Professor Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester (Archaeoastronomy)
Opportunities will be provided for 30 minute presentations as well as
poster presentations, and the new application form is now linked within
the "application process" section in the INSAP IV webpage:
http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap/i4applyx.htm
During the meeting there will be receptions at the Ashmolean Museum, the
Christ Church Picture Gallery, and the Museum of History of Science. The
traditional banquet will be held at the Magdalen College dining hall. A
visit is being organised to Stonehenge (to view the site early morning
prior to opening to the public) with a stop over at Avebury as well. The
possibility of a related art exhibition is being explored.
Applications to attend and abstracts must be submitted by 1 December 2002
to Professor Ray White (rwhite@as.Arizona.edu) and Mr Nick Campion
(ncampion@caol.demon.co.uk).
Details of abstracts and proceedings of previous meetings are described on
the website relating to each INSAP Conference, and will give an idea of the
range of subjects presented at these meetings. A similar publication is
planned for the fourth meeting. Further information on INSAP IV and on the
earlier conferences, can be found on the following websites:
http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap (general information)
http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap/insap4x.htm (for INSAPIV)
http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap/insap3.htm and
http://www.astropa.unipa.it/INSAPIII/index.html (for INSAPIII)
Attendance will be by invitation from among those applying. All
presentations and discussions will be in English. This Conference is
sponsored by the Vatican Observatory and the Steward Observatory. For
further information, contact the above or members of the International
Executive or Local Organising Committees (contact details and email
addresses as provided on the INSAPIV website).
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
Forthcoming Conferences
-----------------------
Further conferences in the years 2002 to 2004 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
September 26-29, 2002, Tucson, AZ, USA
8th Annual conference of the North American Sundial Society
Contacts: Fred Sawyer, e-mail: fwsawyer@aya.yale.edu
September 27-28, 2002, Berlin, Germany
Geschichte und Perspektiven der Astronomiegeschichtsschreibung
[History and perspectives of the historiography of astronomy].
Colloquium of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft.
Language: German
Contacts: Dr. Klaus-Dieter Herbst, e-mail: HChicygni@aol.com
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/berlin2002/
April 16-18, 2004, Oxford, UK
International Conference of the British Sundial Society
Contacts: Douglas Bateman, Secretary, British Sundial Society,
4 New Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7NR, United Kingdom,
tel: +44 1344 772303, e-mail: douglas.bateman@btinternet.com
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 50, August 30, 2002
...........................................................................
Past Conferences
----------------
October 27-28, 2001, London, United Kingdom
Conference "Archaeo-Astronomy, Myth and the Ancient Wisdom Tradition"
Organized by: Scientific and Medical Network and Foundation for
Theosophical Studies, King's College, University of London,
e-mail: info@scimednet.org, URL: http://www.scimednet.org
February 15, 2002, Rome, Italy
Conference: "Giordano Bruno: Philosopher of Nola"
Contacts: Caroline Howard,
American Academy in Rome, Via Angelo Masina 5,
00153 Rome, Italy, tel. 39-06-5846459
URL: http://www.aarome.org/events_bruno.htm
June 6-8, 2002, Genova-Chiavari, Italy
XXII Congress of the Italian Society of Historians of Physics and
Astronomy
URL: http://www.brera.unimi.it/SISFA/programmacomunicazioni.html
http://www.brera.unimi.it/SISFA/riassunticomunicazioni.html
http://www.brera.unimi.it/SISFA/Genova-Chiavari2002.pdf
June 20-22, 2002, Paris, France
International colloquium "L'Art de la Renaissance. Entre Science et Magie"
Organizer: Centre d'Histoire de l'Art de la Renaissance (C.H.A.R.)
Themes: Les astres et la religion, L'astrologie et ses images,
Alchimie et cabale, La nature et ses doubles, Astrologie et politique
June 22, 2002, Oakland, CA, USA
NCHALADA LXI - Northern California Historical Astronomy
Luncheon and Discussion Association
Contacts: Norm Sperling, 413 Poinsettia Avenue, San Mateo,
California 94403, USA, tel.: 650-573-7125,
e-mail: nsperling@california.com
URL: http://www.nchalada.org/archive/NCHALADA_LXI.html
June 26-29, 2002, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sixth International Conference on the History of General Relativity
Contacts: A.J. Kox, e-mail: kox@science.uva.nl
URL: http://soliton.science.uva.nl/~kox/HGR6.html
June 29, 2002, Oxford, United Kingdom
Society for the History of Astronomy: Founding Meeting
Contacts: Stuart Williams, e-mail: flamsteed@v21mail.co.uk
URL: http://www.historyofastronomy.fsworld.co.uk/
June 29-30, 2002, Oxford, UK
Do Collections Matter To Instrument Studies?
Joint meeting of the British Society for the History of Science and the
Scientific Instrument Commission of IUHPS/DHS.
With some papers on astronomical instrument collections.
Contacts: BSHS Executive Secretary, 31 High Street, Stanford in the Vale,
Faringdon, Oxon, SN7 8LH, United Kingdom, e-mail: bshs@hidex.demon.co.uk
July 2-5, 2002, Cheongju, Korea
Astronomical Instruments and Archives from the Asia-Pacific Region
Contacts: Prof. Nha Il Seong, e-mail: slisnha@chollian.net
URL: http://nhamuseum.org/conference2002/
July 2-5, 2002, Prague, Czech Republic
LISA IV: Library and Information Services in Astronomy
Some papers on historical subjects.
Contacts: Marek Wolf, e-mail: wolf@mbox.cesnet.cz
URL: http://lisa4.cuni.cz/
August 27-31, 2002, Tartu, Estonia
International colloquium "Cultural context in archaeoastronomical
monuments and echoes of catastrophic cosmic events reflected in culture"
(Annual meeting of the European Society for Astronomy in Culture, SEAC)
Contacts: Estonian Literature Museum, Vanemuise 42, 51003 Tartu,
Estonia, e-mail: seac@haldjas.folklore.ee
URL: http://haldjas.folklore.ee/SEAC
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Helen Terre Blanche, James Caplan, Kairika Karsna, Nha Il Seong,
Wayne Orchiston, Izold Pustylnik and Stuart Williams.
Most of the information has been taken from public announcements.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astrohist.org/
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, 54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, 14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 51
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 51, June 15, 2003 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Sixth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
2. Wayne Orchiston: History of astronomy at the IAU General Assembly
3. Symposium "Ethno- and archaeoastronomy in the Americas"
4. Stephen McCluskey:
Meeting of the Societe Europeenne pour l'astronomie dans la culture
5. Gudrun Wolfschmidt, Axel D. Wittmann, Wolfgang Schmidt:
Colloquium "Development of Solar Research"
6. XXII Scientific Instrument Symposium
7. Gudrun Wolfschmidt: Exhibition "The changing World View" in Hamburg
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
Sixth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
--------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 1.)
The Sixth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop will be held at the
University of Notre Dame on 19-22 June 2003. The Biennial History of
Astronomy Workshops typically attract about 60-65 scholars interested in
the history of astronomy. Comfortable and economical accomodation is
available in the dormitories of Notre Dame, and provide an intimate setting
for a weekend devoted to scholarship. This year's invited speaker will be
Harry Collins, from the Centre for the Study of Knowledge Expertise and
Science at Cardiff University. One change in the typical schedule for the
workshops is that Prof. Collins will give an opening address on Thursday
evening, which will be followed by breakout sessions on Friday morning.
The program co-chairs of the workshop issue a call for proposals for
work-in-progress papers, poster papers, and organized sessions.
Work-in-progress papers must address a topic in the history of astronomy,
but a wide variety of time periods and approaches will be acceptable. Due
to time constraints, we shall judge proposals on a more competitive basis
than in previous years. Graduate students reporting on their dissertation
projects and speakers who did not present a paper at the last workshop will
receive preference. Papers will be selected in order to present a balanced
schedule, with coverage of different chronological periods and
historiographical approaches. Presentations will be strictly limited to
twenty minutes. It is suggested that oral presentations should take ten to
fifteen minutes, which will leave some time for questions and discussion.
Those who wish to present work-in progress papers should submit an abstract
of not more than 250 words which states clearly the topic to be covered,
the current state of scholarship on the subject, and the author's own
approach.
Rather than presenting a paper orally, a poster paper may be constructed
for display throughout the workshop. Please note that poster papers should
take advantage of the poster format, and should be visually appealing and
convey information to the viewer through images (photos, diagrams, tables,
etc.) and succinct text. Poster paper proposals should not be more than 250
words and should state clearly the topic to be covered and the current
state of scholarship on the subject. They should also include a statement
regarding how the topic benefits from a visual presentation.
Session proposals should state the theme of the session, as well as who has
been contacted regarding participation in the session. The time for
sessions will be limited, and a significant portion of each session should
be devoted to discussion. Sessions can last between 1 and 2.5 hours; please
indicate in the proposal how long the session will need to be.
Abstracts will be posted on the workshop web page prior to the meeting.
Full papers may also be posted by arrangement; if presenters choose to post
their paper on the web, they are encouraged to modify their presentation so
that it is not simply a recitation of the posted paper.
All speakers are expected to register for the conference and pay the
registration fee. We cannot offer travel grants of any kind.
Proposals for sessions and work-in-progress papers are due by 1 February
2003. Proposals for poster papers are due by 1 April 2003. Proposals should
be sent to each of the program co-chairs, preferably by e-mail, but hard
copy is acceptable. Send abstracts to:
Marc Rothenberg
8533 Milford Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
E-mail: Josephhenr@aol.com
and
David DeVorkin
9611 West Bexhill Drive
Kensington MD 20895
E-mail: David.DeVorkin@nasm.si.edu
and
Rudi Paul Lindner
Department of History
1029 Tisch Hall
The University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1003
E-mail: rpl@umich.edu
Please note that no person may submit more than one proposal for a
work-in-progress paper, but that the same person may submit a proposal
for both a work-in-progress and a poster paper.
For more information on the workshop, see the web page at
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/ .
[Source: Matthew F. Dowd to History of Astronomy Discussion Group
(HASTRO-L), 15 Oct 2002]
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
History of astronomy at the IAU General Assembly
------------------------------------------------
By Wayne Orchiston, Epping, Australia
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 2.)
Every three years the International Astronomical Union holds its General
Assembly (GA) in a different major city of the world, and this year the
GA will be in Sydney, Australia, from July 13 to 26.
IAU Commission 41 and the Inter-Union Commission for History of Astronomy
(ICHA) have organised a rich history of astronomy program that is designed
to appeal to every research taste. It is packed into just three days, with
two parallel streams each day. This allows us to offer the following range
of Science Meetings (SM) and Working Group Meetings (WG):
SM1: Applied Historical Astronomy
SM2: The Early Development Australian Radio Astronomy
SM3: Recent Research
SM4: Ethnoastronomy & Archaeoastronomy
WG1: Astronomical Archives
WG2: Astronomical Chronology
WG3: Historical Instruments
WG4: Transits of Venus
For the detailed program, see
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/iaucomm41/meetings/ga2003/ .
Please feel free to contact me if you would like further information about
the Sydney history of astronomy program, or about C41 and the ICHA.
Author's address: Dr Wayne Orchiston, Anglo-Australian Observatory,
PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121, Australia.
(C41/ICHA Secretary and Sydney History of Astronomy Program Co-ordinator)
[Source: Wayne Orchiston to HASTRO-L, 17 Jan 2003.]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
Symposium "Ethno- and archaeoastronomy in the Americas"
-------------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 3.)
The symposium ARQ-13: Ethno and Archaeoastronomy in the Americas was
accepted by the Organizing Committee of the 51st ICA, International
Congress of Americanists (Santiago de Chile, 14-18 July 2003). You will
find the "Call for Papers" at
http://www.ctio.noao.edu/~boccas/ica51_simposio_arq13.html .
Do not hesitate to contact the executive coordinators (mboccas@gemini.edu
and gonzalo@astro.bo) for additional questions. Our hope is to gather all
the serious investigators who have worked in this field in Northern,
Central and Southern America over the last few years.
Johanna Broda, Mexico
Gonzalo Pereira, Bolivia
Maxime Boccas, Chile
Coordinators of the Symposium
[Source: Rolf Sinclair to HASTRO-L, 21 May 2002]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
Meeting of the Societe Europeenne pour l'astronomie dans la culture
-------------------------------------------------------------------
By Stephen McCluskey, Leicester, UK
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 4.)
The 2003 meeting of the Societe Europeene pour l'Astronomie dans la Culture
(SEAC) will be held at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom on 11-12
August, 2003, following the INSAP-4 meeting being held in Oxford. This is
not a full SEAC meeting, instead, this short meeting will highlight the
role of young people in archaeoastronomy through two special sessions:
Young archaeoastronomers: Archaeoastronomers under the age of 30(-ish),
including research students or others doing research in the field, are
invited to give presentations on their work. Come and meet established
people in the field and make international contacts! Proposals for
presentations in this session should be made to Clive Ruggles
(rug@le.ac.uk) as soon as possible. An abstract of 200-300 words will be
required by 1 April 2003.
Education round table: Clive Ruggles, the organiser of this meeting, will
chair an informal discussion on education in archaeoastronomy focusing on
attracting young people into the discipline and the problems of
multidisciplinary training. Please contact Clive directly if you would are
interested in participating as a panelist on the round table.
For further details on the conference see:
http://www.le.ac.uk/archaeology/rug/SEAC03/
For general information on SEAC see:
http://www.iac.es/seac/seac.html
Author's address:
Prof. Stephen McCluskey
Honorary Visiting Fellow
School of Archaeology and Ancient History
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
e-mail: scmcc@wvu.edu
[Source: Stephen McCluskey to HASTRO-L, 7 Feb 2003]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
Colloquium "Development of Solar Research"
------------------------------------------
By Gudrun Wolfschmidt, Axel D. Wittmann and Wolfgang Schmidt
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 6. Translation by James Caplan.)
The Working Group for the History of Astronomy will hold a Colloquium on
"Development of Solar Research" on Monday, 15 September 2003, in Freiburg
im Breisgau, Germany. The Colloquium is a component of the Annual Meeting
of the Astronomische Gesellschaft (AG) to be held in Freiburg from 15-20
September 2003. However, separate participation in the Colloquium is
possible, in particular for non-members of the AG.
Because the Kiepenheuer-Institut fuer Sonnenphysik (KIS; see
http://www.kis.uni-freiburg.de and links therein to the AG meeting) is
located in Freiburg, the Working Group for the History of Astronomy has
proposed the Colloquium theme "Development of Solar Research".
Participants are invited to an informal get-together beginning at 19.30 on
Sunday, 14 September, in a restaurant in Freiburg (details will be on the
web page of the Colloquium and communicated to the registered
participants).
The Colloquium itself is scheduled for Monday, 15 September 2003, from 9.00
to 17.00, in the AG's meeting area in the "Institutsviertel" of the
Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg, in the building "Hochhaus 21a" of the
Chemisches Laboratorium and the Physikalisches Institut; lectures will be
in Hoersaal 1 and coffee breaks will be in the foyer.
Fee for the meeting: 20 Euros, which will contribute towards financing
publication of the meeting contributions. This fee does not apply to those
taking part in the general AG Meeting, for which the participation fee
includes the cost of this Colloquium.
Webpages of the Colloquium:
http://www.math.uni-hamburg.de/math/ign/events/akag03.htm
Webpages of the general AG Meeting:
http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/agtagfbg.html
Registration for the AG Meeting as well as booking of hotel rooms by:
CSM Congress and Seminar Management
Industriestrasse 35
82194 Groebenzell/Muenchen
Germany
Tel.: +49-8142-570183, Fax: +49-8142-54735
E-Mail: info@csm-congress.de
Detailed information on registration as well as hotel booking (unless
you wish to do this yourself) can be found on the conference web pages.
Administrative information:
Assessorin jur. Ute Rynarzewski
Kiepenheuer-Institut fuer Sonnenphysik
Schoeneckstrasse 6
79104 Freiburg i. Br.
Deutschland
Tel.: +49-761-3198-0 (secretary's office)
Fax: +49-761-3198-111
E-Mail: ag03-loc@kis.uni-freiburg.de
Thematically the colloquium is open to all contributions on the history of
solar research, thus not only the history of solar physics. The topic is
intentionally very open: lectures can concern sun cults of ancient
cultures, Stonehenge or the sky disk of Nebra, continuing through the
discovery and observation of sunspots in early modern times. The emphasis,
however, should be on the 19th century, with the beginnings of solar
physics starting with Fraunhofer's discovery of the dark lines in the solar
spectrum: photography of the Sun (also with the heliograph), solar eclipse
expeditions, clarification of the nature of the prominences, the discovery
of the chromosphere, observation of the corona and its spectrum, study of
magnetic fields, new instruments of solar physics such as solar towers,
spectroheliographs, coronographs, etc. The history of solar observatories
is also a relevant topic. In the 20th century, questions concern solar
physics during the Nazi era. For the second half of the 20th century, one
could include solar observations from space, and international cooperation
in solar research, e.g. JOSO.
Coordinators of the colloquium:
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt, IGN, Universitaet Hamburg,
Bundesstr. 55, D-20146 Hamburg
e-mail: wolfschmidt@math.uni-hamburg.de, Tel. +49-40-42838-5262
Dr. Axel D. Wittmann, Universitaets-Sternwarte Goettingen,
Geismarlandstr. 11, D-37083 Goettingen
e-mail: wittmann@uni-sw.gwdg.de, Tel. +49-551-395045
Dr. habil. Wolfgang Schmidt, KIS, Freiburg,
Schoeneckstrasse 6, D-79104 Freiburg i. Br.
e-mail: wolfgang@kis.uni-freiburg.de, Tel. +49-761-3198-162
Please direct your inquiries and your registration for the colloquium to
Ms. Wolfschmidt, and well as to at least one of the other two coordinators,
with whom your speaking time (presumably no more than 20 min) must be
agreed upon. Please register even if you do not give a talk, so that the
program can be sent to you. Talks can be given in English or German.
Deadline for abstracts, in English (even if the talk is given in
German!): to be submitted by e-mail until
20 June 2003
using the Abstract form of the AG (the new LaTex macro can be downloaded
from the pages of the AG:
http://www.kis.uni-freiburg.de/AG03/abstracts.html) - to be submitted to
Dr. Reinhard E. Schielicke, Universitaets-Sternwarte Jena, email:
schie@astro.uni jena.de AND to Ms. Wolfschmidt AND (at least) one of the
other two coordinators.
Further local information is available from Dr. Wolfgang Schmidt (see
address above). After the conference a Proceedings volume is planned
(depending, however, on the financial situation!): "Development of
Solar Research" - Acta Historica Astronomiae (ISSN: 1422-8521), Verlag
Harri Deutsch.
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
XXII Scientific Instrument Symposium
------------------------------------
The XXII Scientific Instrument Symposium will be held at The Mariners'
Museum, Newport News, Virginia, between Tuesday 30 September and Saturday 4
October, 2003.
CONFERENCE FEE AND REGISTRATION
The registration fee is $125.00 per person. This includes an opening
reception, cocktails and dinner on Friday evening, refreshments during the
symposium, and lunch on Tuesday through Friday.
During the symposium there will be excursions to the Thomas Jefferson
National Accelerator Laboratory, Colonial Williamsburg and the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington, D.C.
The number of participants is limited, so early registration is
recommended. Fees based on a minimum of 40 participants.
The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory (Jefferson Lab) visit
will include a tour of the facility; a reception (possibly a dinner) and a
lecture on J.J. Thompson who in 1884 was the Director of the Cavendish
Laboratory at Cambridge University. This laboratory became the world's
preeminent center for experimental nuclear physics. Jefferson Lab has a
variety of antique scientific instruments, which will be on display during
the presentation. To find out more about Jefferson Lab visit www.jlab.org.
During the Colonial Williamsburg visit, participants will be invited to
view the scientific instruments and the conservation laboratories at the
Wallace Conservation and Collections Building. Eric Goldstein, curator of
mechanical arts, will serve as a guide for the group. Participants will be
able to speak to the conservators about current projects and techniques.
There will be an opportunity to walk through the Historic Area of Colonial
Williamsburg, restored site of Virginia's 18th-century colonial capital.
The tour also includes an admission ticket to the buildings and craft shops
where you can see craftspeople using 18th-century technology to create
items for everyday use. For more information visit
www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.
The Smithsonian Institution visit will be to the National Museum of
American History, where we plan to offer tours of the science and
technology collections, including the collections of: Physical Sciences,
Electricity, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, and Timekeeping. Collection
staff will be present to provide tours and answer questions. For more
information about the Smithsonian visit www.si.edu.
Also scheduled during the symposium is a tour of The Library at The
Mariners' Museum and a session during which the extensive collection of the
Museum's scientific instruments will be available for inspection. The
Museum's Library has an outstanding collection of maritime history. Its
rich collections are international in scope, containing over 78,000 books,
one million manuscript items, 600,000 photographs, and 65,000 maps, charts,
and drawings. Subject concentrations include travel and voyage literature,
geography, navigation, the Civil War, and shipwrecks. In addition, the
Library is home to the Chris-Craft archive of several thousand records from
the famous manufacturer of pleasure boats. Library staff answers thousands
of questions each year from researchers all over the world. The Library
catalog is available on the Web at www.mariner.org/librarchives.html.
During the symposium, the museum will be showcasing its collection of
navigational instruments in a temporary exhibition. Upon receipt of the
Ifland collection in 2000 President and CEO John Hightower was quoted as
saying, "The extraordinary gift of Peter Ifland's carefully assembled and
thoughtfully acquired collection complements the navigation instrument
collection of The Mariners' Museum perfectly. The result is America's
largest and most distinguished collection of magnificent scientific
instruments that once were essential to finding one's way across the
uncharted expanse of the ever uncertain sea."
DEADLINES
The deadline for registration is Friday, May 2, 2003; registration after
this date will be subject to an additional charge of $35.00.
Deadline for submitting abstracts and titles is Friday May 16, 2003.
Deadline for accommodation application at the suggested hotels is Friday,
May 23, 2003. Early registration and accommodations are highly recommended.
Deadline for car reservations is July 11, 2003.
PAPERS
There is no specified theme for the symposium. In addition to giving talks
from individual papers, we encourage participants to suggest themes for
sessions as well as recruiting speakers. Speakers will be given 20 - 30
minutes for their respective talks.
The following proposals for sessions have been received: 'Scientific
Instruments in Iconography', organized by Willem Morzer Bruyns. If you
wish to contribute a paper to this session please contact
wmorzerbruyns@scheepvaartmuseum.nl.
'Conservation Problems with Materials on Modern Instruments and Forensic
Studies of Old Instruments' organized by Randall Brooks. If you wish to
contribute a paper to this session please contact rbrooks@nmstc.ca.
The deadline for submitting papers is May 16, 2003. Earlier submission is
encouraged, and early confirmation of acceptance may be given upon request.
Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words, and should include the name
of the author and the title of the paper.
CONFERENCE OFFICE
22nd International Scientific Instrument Symposium
Marge Shelton, Secretary
The Mariners' Museum
100 Museum Drive
Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
Tel: + 757-591-7707
FAX: + 757-591-7311
Email: mshelton@mariner.org
WEB SITE
For more information, please consult http://www.mariner.org/SIC2003/ .
[Source: http://www.mariner.org/SIC2003/, June 14, 2003]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 51, June 15, 2003
...........................................................................
Exhibition "The changing World View" in Hamburg
-----------------------------------------------
By Gudrun Wolfschmidt, Hamburg, Germany
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 63,
14. Juni 2003, Item 7. Translation by Hilmar W. Duerbeck.)
The exhibition
Weltbild im Wandel - Von Copernicus bis zur modernen Kosmologie
[The changing world view - from Copernicus to modern cosmology]
is on display at Hamburg Observatory (Gojenbergsweg 112, D-21029 Hamburg)
from December 12, 2002 until at least August, 2003. A catalogue is in
preparation. The exhibition can be visited every 14 days at 7 p.m.
(guided tour).
Next dates for guided tours: June 19, July 3, 17 and 31.
Groups can arrange a visit any time:
Visitor service: Lars-Winter@t-online.de
Hamburg Observatory: Mrs B. Schmidt, Tel. +49-40-42891-4111/4112
Additional information:
http://www.math.uni-hamburg.de/math/ign/fhs/weltbild.htm
Author's address:
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt
Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften
Fachbereich Mathematik
Universitaet Hamburg
Bundesstrasse 55
D-20146 Hamburg
Tel. 040-42838-5262
Fax: 040-42838-5260
wolfschmidt@math.uni-hamburg.de
http://www.math.uni-hamburg.de/home/wolfschmidt/index.html
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
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W. Duerbeck
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
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Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
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Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 52
*************************************************************************** * * * ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY * * * * Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy * * in the Astronomische Gesellschaft * * * * Number 52, November 15, 2003 * * * * Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck * * * *************************************************************************** Contents -------- 1. Paul Bunge Prize 2002 awarded to Paolo Brenni 2. Einstein Archives available online 3. Andrew S. Cook: The Great Arc: Exhibition of Mapping of India 4. Commemorating the 375th birthday of Christiaan Huygens 5. IAU Colloquium "Transits of Venus" 6. 7th Oxford conference on archeoastronomy Acknowledgement Imprint ........................................................................... Item 1 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... Paul Bunge Prize 2002 awarded to Paolo Brenni --------------------------------------------- Dr. Paolo Brenni of the University of Florence was awarded the Paul Bunge Prize of the Hans R. Jenemann Foundation on May 10th in Potsdam on the occasion of the General Assembly of the German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry. This prize for exceptional research on the history of scientific instruments is co-sponsored by the German Chemical Society (GDCh) and the German Bunsen Society. This year was the 10th time this award has been conferred. The instrument historian Brenni is famous worldwide for his numerous works and publications in the field of the restoration and preservation of scientific instruments. Like no one other, he knows the historical instrument collections of Europe and has taken care that these are properly and historically researched and preserved for posterity. Exemplary of this are his published catalogues, e.g. about the Museum for Science History in Florence or the Instituto Tecnico Toscano. His more than 90 publications cover the entire spectrum of scientific instruments, including especially also astronomical instruments. Brenni is moreover active in the preservation and restoration of anitique scientific instruments that requires knowledge of chemistry and metallurgy. He has published articles on this and has also organized symposia and continuing education programs regarding this. Finally, Brenni was decisively involved in coordinating the computer networking of the heterogeneous and scattered community of scientists, restorators, museum curators, collectors and antique dealers: the E-mail list "Rete" is particularly concerned with the history of scientific instruments. Brenni was born in 1954 in Mendrisio, Switzerland. He studied physics at the University of Zuerich and completed his doctorate in 1981 in the field of NMR spectroscopy. Afterwards he directed his energies to the area of instrument history. His career has led him from Padua to Florence and on to Paris where he is currently working, insofar as other historical instrument collections do not demand his expertise elsewhere. In the past year, Brenni was a guest professor in Ghent, Belgium. Since 1999, he has been the vice-president of the International Scientific Instruments Commission. [Source: GDCh - Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, Press Release 06a/02, May 22, 2002, http://www.gdch.de/pubrelat/wpd06a02.htm] ........................................................................... Item 2 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... Einstein Archives available online ---------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64, 9. Nov. 2003, Item 5.) More than 900 scientific and nonscientific documents of one of the most influential intellects in the modern era, Albert Einstein, are available online for the first time. The Einstein Archives Online website, at http://www.alberteinstein.info will also be accompanied by an extensive database of archival information. It was launched on May 19 during a daylong symposium on his life and work, to be held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York (see: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/einstein/) The new website is the result of an ambitious cooperative effort between the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Einstein Papers Project at the California Institute of Technology. It enables access to some 3,000 high-quality digitized images. Thirty-nine documents are also provided (in PDF format) as they appear in The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, published in German by Princeton University Press, with historical and scientific annotations in English; some of the documents are accompanied by English translations. An extensive archival database and finding aid allows for the direct searching and browsing of more than 40,000 records of Einstein and Einstein-related documents. These concern his scientific and nonscientific writings, his professional and personal correspondence, notebooks, travel diaries, personal documents, and third-party items. The website was developed in collaboration with the Information Technology and Photo-Reprography Departments of the Hebrew University's Jewish National & University Library (JNUL), the David and Fela Shapell Digitization Project at the JNUL, and with Princeton University Press. The archival database presents records for all items that have been edited and annotated by scholars, and that have appeared since 1987 in The Collected Papers. These include some 500 items that were not part of the original collection, but that were uncovered during the past 25 years. The eight volumes that are available so far contain Einstein's writings and correspondence from his youth to age 40. They include his major papers on the theory of special relativity, general relativity, the quantum theory of light and matter, as well as a wealth of lesser-known contributions to many aspects of science, education, international reconciliation, Zionism, and pacifism. Einstein's personal papers were bequeathed to the Hebrew University in his last will and testament of 1950. The Albert Einstein Archives has been housed at the Hebrew University's JNUL since 1982. The Einstein Papers Project at Caltech is a multidisciplinary research and editorial team engaged in the collection, selection, and scholarly annotation of The Collected Papers, an edition of 25 planned volumes of Einstein's writings and correspondence. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was envisaged by its founders as a "university of the Jewish people." Its foundation stone was laid in 1918, and its doors opened in 1925. Today, its student body totals around 23,000 and its tenured academic faculty numbers 1,200. The university is Israel's leading academic center for research and postgraduate study. Founded in 1891, Caltech has an enrollment of some 2,000 students, and a faculty of about 280 professorial members, 65 research members, and some 560 postdoctoral scholars. Over the years, 30 Nobel Prizes and four Crafoord Prizes have been awarded to faculty members and alumni. The Jewish National & University Library is the central library of the Hebrew University and the national library of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Founded in 1892 as a world center for the preservation of books relating to Jewish thought and culture, it assumed the additional functions of a general university library in 1920. [Source: Caltech News Release, May 14, 2003. Contact: Mark Wheeler, (626) 395-8733, wheel@caltech.edu] ........................................................................... Item 3 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... The Great Arc: Exhibition of Mapping of India --------------------------------------------- By Andrew S. Cook, London, UK (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64, 9. Nov. 2003, Item 8.) The Government of India travelling exhibition on the bicentenary of William Lambton and the start of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India has opened in Cambridge, at the first of five locations in the UK this year. It provides a unique opportunity to see historic instruments and archives from the Survey of India Museum collections in Dehra Dun (including Ramsden's Great Theodolite, last seen in Britain at the Science Museum Festival of India exhibition in 1981). Visit www.thegreatarc.net for more information, including the text of the GBP 5 book accompanying the exhibition. The exhibition runs 15-23 July in a marquee on Jesus Green, Cambridge (connecting with the quadrennial international Cambridge Conference of surveyors), 5-24 August in Edinburgh, 4-20 September in Birmingham, 1 October-12 November in London, and 26 November-15 January 2004 in Manchester. Though the mounting of the exhibition was devolved to Teamwork Productions India, the Survey of India apparently intends to have an official present at the exhibition sites, currently Charanjit Mamik, senior librarian from Survey of India Geodetic and Research Branch, Dehra Dun, in Cambridge. The exhibit is the centrepiece of the Festival of the Great Arc, with performances of Indian dance and music in Britain, and also serves very well as a didactic exhibition of the history of geodetic survey and mapping in India over 200 years. Author's address: Andrew S. Cook MA PhD FRSA FRHistS Map Archivist, India Office Records The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB, UK e-mail andrew.cook@bl.uk Telephone/Voicemail 020 7412 7828, Fax 020 7412 7641 [Source: Andrew S. Cook to Rete Mailing List, rete@maillist.ox.ac.uk, 16 July 2003] ........................................................................... Item 4 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... Commemorating the 375th Birthday of Christiaan Huygens ------------------------------------------------------ (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64, 9. Nov. 2003, Item 3.) Titan - From Discovery to Encounter International Conference to commemorate the 375th birthday of Christiaan Huygens, born 14 April 1629 Christiaan Huygens was one of the most respected leading European scientists in the 17th century. He was the first of what we would today call a "scientific director" of the Academie Francaise. One highlight in his carrier was the discovery of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, in 1655. FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT For ESA, the highlight of 2004 and early 2005 will be the arrival of the NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens spacecraft at Saturn and the release of the Huygens probe into the atmosphere of Titan. The aim of the conference is to bring together historians and space scientists to discuss: o Christiaan Huygens, the person, the scientist, his relations with other scientists in the 17th century, like Cassini, o Descartes, Newton, etc. o Observations of Saturn and its moons since the 17th century. o The Cassini-Huygens mission and the latest observations on the way to the encounter of Titan. Dates: 13 to 17 April 2004 Location: ESTEC Conference centre http://sci2.esa.int/huygens/conference/ Scientific Programme Committee (all to be confirmed) Dennis Matson (dmatson@jpl.nasa.gov) Cecille Ferrari (Cecile.Ferrari@cea.fr) Tobias Owen (owen@ifa.hawaii.edu) Fabrizio Bonoli (bonoli@bo.astro.it) Fokko Dijksterhuis (f.j.dijksterhuis@wmw.utwente.nl) Cees Grimbergen (grimberg@doge.nl) Albert van Helden (A.VanHelden@phys.uu.nl) Athena Coustenis (Athena.Coustenis@obspm.fr) Jean Pierre Lebreton (Jean-Pierre.Lebreton@esa.int) John Zarnecki (J.C.Zarnecki@open.ac.uk) Local Organising Committee Gonnie Elfering (Gonnie.Elfering@esa.int) Jean Pierre Lebreton (Jean-Pierre.Lebreton@esa.int) Clare Bingham (Clare.Bingham@esa.int) Henk Olthof (Henk.Olthof@esa.int) Programme The programme will consist of invited papers, contributed papers, and posters. The intention is to publish the proceedings in the ESA SP series. Tuesday 13 April (pm): Opening session Invited talks Musical intermezzos Video presentation of the Cassini-Huygens mission Wednesday 14 April: Christiaan Huygens, the person, scientist and his relationships with other scientists. Invited talk Contributing talks Invited birthday lecture Thursday 15 April (am): The Cassini-Huygens mission in historical perspective The contribution of Gerard P. Kuiper Invited talk Contributing talks Afternoon: excursion Conference dinner Friday 16 April Recent results of Saturn/Titan observations (ground- and space-based) and theoretical studies Invited talk Contributing talks Saturday 17 April Public outreach day Amateur astronomers' observations of Saturn and Titan Public lectures CONFERENCE FEE: 150 Euro for the entire conference covering, coffee breaks, excursions and conference dinner, conference bag, proceedings, sandwich lunch on the public outreach day. 35 Euro, students 10 Euro, for the public outreach day only, covering coffee breaks, sandwich lunch, conference bag and proceedings. SCHEDULE: 1st announcement: November 2002 Call for papers: April 2003 Deadline for paper submission: September 2003 Final Programme: December 2003 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Please send e-mail to Henk.Olthof@esa.int [Source: Ron Baalke to HASTRO-L, The History of Astronomy Discussion Group, HASTRO-L@LISTSERV.WVU.EDU, 28 Jan 2003] ........................................................................... Item 5 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... IAU Colloquium "Transits of Venus" ---------------------------------- We are very pleased to announce IAU Colloquium 196, "Transits of Venus: New Views of the Solar System and Galaxy", to be held in Preston, Lancashire, UK, 7-11 June 2004. On 24 November 1639 (Julian Calendar) in the tiny Lancashire village of Much Hoole, Jeremiah Horrocks made the first observations of a Transit of Venus. He was one of the first Englishmen to appreciate the astronomical revolution going on in Europe following the works of Tycho, Galileo and Kepler. It was Horrocks who first proved that the orbit of the moon is an ellipse, and Newton made good use of Horrocks' discovery. Horrocks, who died at age 22, can be considered to be the father of British astrophysics for the remarkable depth of his accomplishments. His legacy reverberates today. This meeting will have history running through it, linking modern research topics on: high precision determination of the solar parallax; distances in the Solar System and in the Galaxy; precise determination of the motions of planets, realisation of a dynamical time scale and fluctuations in Earth's rotation. It will examine critically the remaining uncertainties in currently available parallaxes, how they can be further reduced, and the implications for stellar physics and Galactic structure studies. This will include the galactic distance scale, and will look at the future of astrometry from the ground and especially from space, including Gaia and Jasmine. This meeting provides an opportunity to observe an extremely rare astronomical event in its prime historical venue while having discussion of its current context and relation to modern science. This will allow experts to present the most recent and future developments in the scientific topics linked to this astronomical phenomenon and exchange ideas on the most important issues for the future. The morning of Tuesday, 8 June (the 2nd day of the meeting) will be devoted to observing the Transit of Venus beginning just after 05:19 UT (06:19 BST) and lasting for nearly 6 hours. Live observations will be conducted through the telescopes of the University of Central Lancashire's Alston Observatory near Preston, and live video links to other observing sites will be displayed. There will also be visits in small groups throughout the transit to Carr House (built 1613) in Much Hoole where Horrocks made his seminal 1639 observations. After an afternoon's rest, the day will finish with a conference banquet at the beautiful Hoghton Tower, a 16th-century manor house overlooking the rolling green hills of Lancashire where it is claimed Shakespeare worked for 3 years and where in 1622 James I was served a loin of beef that he so liked, he knighted it on the spot, Sir Loin. Our top table for the banquet will be the very table where the deed was done! The meeting will have multi-disciplinary threads of science and history running throughout the sessions. An ancillary historical meeting for students will be held with some participation by this colloquium's invited speakers. Following the first relatively precise determination of the a.u. from the opposition of Mars in 1672 by Richer and Cassini, the great scientifically competitive expeditions to observe the Transits of Venus in 1761 and 1769 were the first examples of modern "big science"; those expeditions have given us some of the most colourful stories in all astronomy. With the length of the astronomical unit known, and with the discovery of stellar parallax in the 1830s, our view of the universe was fundamentally changed. It is fair to say that modern astrophysics blossomed from these determinations. Transits of Venus were observed again in 1874 and 1882 for refinement of the value of the a.u. No living person has ever seen this rare event. Many astronomers from around the globe will want to experience seeing this historic event, and Carr House in Much Hoole, Lancashire, is the prime historic site. We are sure they will appreciate the historical connections planned in the sessions and during the transit itself. Scientific topics are: * Transits of Venus: their history and science * Transits of Mercury * Observations of transits of extra-solar planets * Modern and historical determinations of the a.u. * Precision measurement of time and rotation of the Earth * New discoveries in the solar system * Astrophysics from high precision parallaxes from space and from the ground * Hipparcos parallaxes and the Galactic distance scale * The scientific promise of future astrometric space missions: Gaia and Jasmine The meeting has wide IAU support from Divisions I (fundamental astronomy), Division III (solar system) and Commission 41 (History) and is supported by the Royal Astronomical Society. Presentations will include invited reviews, contributed talks and poster papers. The second announcement and the call for scientific papers will be sent out in November 2003. The conference will be hosted by the Centre for Astrophysics and be held on the campus of the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, Lancashire, UK. The University of Central Lancashire, in its various forms as a teaching and research institution, is 175 years old in this year. It currently has 35,000 students and has strong astronomy research in its Centre for Astrophysics. Preston is a small city (awarded city status by the Queen in 2002) of 135,000 with large green spaces within the city. The university in integrated with the city and is within easy walking distance of central Preston. It is easily reached by direct train from Manchester airport, the UK's third largest airport serving many international airlines, and by direct train service from London. Preston is ideally situated for day trips to the English Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, North Wales and the Forest of Bowland with the most beautiful scenery in England: National Parks, 900-year-old Cistercian monasteries, stone circles >3500 yr in age, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests (including the one where Tolkien walked as he imagined the Lord of the Rings), stately homes, lovely old stone villages, canals and canal-boats, traditional English Pubs, puffins, and unlimited historical sites. The weather in Preston in early June is temperate. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the range 15-25 C with overnight minima of 5-15 C. The total rainfall is about 1 m per year spread throughout the year with an average of 75 mm in June, so light rain is always possible. There will be a live video link at the Alston observatory to other observing sites, in case of cloud on the day of the transit. Of course, in 1639 Horrocks had to contend with this, too, and he successfully observed the transit. Let history be your guide! For more information on the University of Central Lancashire see: http://www.uclan.ac.uk and for Preston City see: http://www.transit-of-venus.org.uk/conference/local.html#about At this time you are invited to send expressions of interest by using the form provided at the conference's web site or available on request. We look forward to seeing you in Preston next year! Don Kurtz and Gordon Bromage (Co-chairs, SOC) ...on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee: * co-chair: Don Kurtz - UK * co-chair: Gordon Bromage - UK * Nicole Capitaine, France * Mikhail Marov, Russia * Steven Dick, USA * Mike Feast, South Africa * Wayne Orchiston, Australia * Jay Pasachoff, USA * Dale Cruikshank, USA * Naoteru Gouda, Japan ...and the Local Organising Committee: * Gordon Bromage, chair * Barbara Hassall * Peter Hingley, RAS librarian * Don Kurtz * Paul Marston * Gillian Saunders * Robert Walsh For more information about the conference, please email to tov@uclan.ac.uk or see http://www.transit-of-venus.org.uk/conference/ . [Source: http://www.transit-of-venus.org.uk/conference/announcements.html#first] ........................................................................... Item 6 ENHA No. 52, Nov. 15, 2003 ........................................................................... 7th Oxford Conference on Archeoastronomy ---------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64, 9. Nov. 2003, Item 4.) This is to announce the public release of the website for the Seventh Oxford Conference on Archaeoastronomy, to be held from June 20-27, 2004 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The conference is being sponsored by a number of organizations, including the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pueblo Grande Museum (Phoenix AZ), Lowell Observatory, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the City of Flagstaff - Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Northern Arizona University College of Arts & Sciences / Physics and Astronomy Department, the NAU-NASA Space Grant Program, and the Roden Crater Project. The Web site is being hosted by Lowell Observatory at the URL http://www.lowell.edu/Public/ox7/index.html On the Web site, you will find program information and instructions for submitting abstracts, as well as local information. Please direct all questions and correspondence regarding the conference to Oxford7@earthlink.net. On behalf of the Oxford 7 Local Organizing Committee, Jeffrey Hall Assistant Research Scientist Associate Director, Education and Special Programs Lowell Observatory Flagstaff, AZ 86001 ........................................................................... Acknowledgement --------------- For sending us information directly we thank Jeffrey Hall. ........................................................................... Imprint ------- Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA) Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the Astronomische Gesellschaft Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar W. Duerbeck All items without an author's name are editorial contributions. Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated. Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for occasional voluntary donations to the working group. Copyright Statement: The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed. Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media is possible only with the editor's permission. Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of Astronomy: URL: http://www.astrohist.org/ Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany, Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140 Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft: Acct # 310 330 402, Volksbank Coesfeld-Duelmen (BLZ 401 631 23) Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20 Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte" ***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 53
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* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 53, November 17, 2003 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
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Contents
--------
1. The Society for the History of Astronomy
2. David A. King: New website on medieval astronomical instruments
3. International Conference: Zdenek Kopal's Binary Star Legacy
4. XXIII Scientific Instrument Symposium
Acknowledgement
Imprint
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Item 1 ENHA No. 53, Nov. 17, 2003
...........................................................................
The Society for the History of Astronomy
----------------------------------------
As 2003 begins to wind down, the Society for the History of Astronomy is
looking back on a time of worthwhile progress and significant achievements.
Founded on June 29, 2002 at Wadham College, Oxford, by Stuart Williams,
FRAS and well-known astronomy historian Dr. Allan Chapman of Wadham
College, with the able assistance of Ken Goward, FRAS, the UK's new
national society for the history of our great science has already passed a
few milestones in its short but memorable history!
The SHA's first Council was elected at the Founding Meeting, and consisted
of Chair Emily Winterburn, Secretary Stuart Williams, FRAS, Treasurer Ken
Goward, FRAS, and Councillors Roger Jones, Kevin Kilburn, FRAS and Dr. Nick
Kollerstrom. Honorary Councillors Hon. President Dr. Allan Chapman and Hon.
Vice Presidents Sir Patrick Moore and Dr. Michael Hoskin were appointed
shortly thereafter.
The Society began in earnest by setting up an Archive at the Library of the
Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, under the supervision of Institute
Librarian and SHA member, now Archivist, Mark Hurn. In parallel with this,
a Members' Lending Library was founded by professional Librarian Madeline
Cox, FRAS. Both have gone from strength to strength in following months and
will be developed in 2004.
A Newsletter and Website were created by Callum Potter, the Society's
Editor, both essential tools of communication and outreach to SHA members
and the public, especially as 90% of SHA members use email. The Newsletter
will continue to be developed in 2004 by a new editorial team. Our outreach
to local astronomical societies and the Regions was begun successfully by
Kevin Kilburn, FRAS, of Manchester Astronomical Society, and has been
strongly followed up by Martin Lunn, MBE, of Yorkshire Museum, who replaced
Kevin on Council during summer 2003.
The Society's Survey of the Astronomical Geography of the UK, a core
element of its work, was swiftly set up by SHA Councillor Roger Jones with
the assistance of Stuart Williams, FRAS. The Survey aims to reveal the
depth of local history of astronomy in particular across the UK over coming
months and years.
The SHA held its first Members' Meeting on November 2, 2002 at Soho House
in Handsworth, Birmingham, 18th century home of Matthew Boulton and The
Lunar Society, where new discoveries by SHA member Andrew Lound relating to
Boulton's astronomy and his connections with William Herschel were revealed
for the first time.
Reaching more than a hundred members across the UK and beyond by the end of
the year, the SHA went on to hold its historic first AGM & Conference on
February 22, 2003 at the old Royal Observatory Greenwich and National
Maritime Museum in February. The Conference provided the first opportunity
for Members' research papers to be presented and saw the formal launch of
the SHA Survey. As a matter of principle, the Society makes its meetings
accessible nationwide, and in 2004 the AGM & Conference moves to the
Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, heading further north in 2005.
The Society was delighted to be invited to organise Session 51: History of
Astronomy, at the National Astronomy Meeting in Dublin on April 10, 2003.
This successful session, chaired by SHA Chair Emily Winterburn, Curator of
Astronomy at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and co-organised by SHA
Secretary Stuart Williams, FRAS, set the tone for future such sessions and
the SHA has been invited to do the same at NAM 2004, being held at the Open
University in Milton Keynes.
A fine social event was held on July 5, 2003 with the SHA's first Annual
Picnic, returning to the home of its founding at Wadham College, Oxford.
Future Annual Picnics, celebrating the founding, will alternately tour the
UK, with the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, Woolsthorpe Manor, being the
venue proposed for 2004, and the Picnic will return to Wadham College in
2005.
The SHA has made a point of participating in events dedicated to 'grass
roots' astronomy, and has fielded stands at the British Astronomical
Association Exhibition Meetings, Federation of Astronomical Societies
Conferences, Leeds AstroMeets and Orwell Astronomical Society events since
its foundation, now with a spectacular new 'Baroque' display, complete with
William Herschel organ music! These public appearances will continue in
similar vein and we look forward to making many more new friends around the
UK as a result.
National Astronomy Week 2003 was very enjoyable for the SHA. The Society
was particularly pleased to be invited to organise a morning Open Session
at the Centenary Astro Day of Manchester Astronomical Society on August 30,
following lectures organised jointly with The Planetary Society at Soho
House, Handsworth, the previous weekend. The Open Session of talks and
presentations by SHA members provided a wonderful opportunity to prove the
SHA's commitment to the Regions and the chance for SHA members to meet
like-minded friends from the historic Manchester AS and the rest of the
north of England. It was also the occasion of the official Public Launch of
the SHA Survey and its online presence on the SHA website.
Finally, the SHA ends the year with a special visit of the SHA Council and
guests to the Royal Astronomical Society Library at Burlington House in
December. We aim to foster cordial relations with the RAS at all times, as
well as the other national, regional and local groups. We have already
affiliated to the British Astronomical Association, and will in future be
maintaining a working relationship with the Historical Section of the BAA.
We would welcome contact with any group with which we have common
interests, and new members of course continue to be welcome.
The Society for the History of Astronomy does not plan to rest on its
laurels. There is much to do in 2004, which will see the launch of our
annual journal 'The Antiquarian Astronomer' under the Editorship of Callum
Potter. We will continue to tour the UK and proceed apace with our national
Survey, the first of its kind in the history of astronomy. We exist to help
preserve astronomy's history for posterity, and look to the future with
great anticipation and enthusiasm.
CONTACT:
Stuart Williams, FRAS, Secretary, SHA, 26 Matlock Road, Bloxwich, WS3 3QD,
UK (please enclose a stamped s.a.e. if a reply is required).
Email: secretary@shastro.org.uk
Website: www.shastro.org.uk
[Source: Society for the History of Astronomy, Press Release,
6 October 2003]
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Item 2 ENHA No. 53, Nov. 17, 2003
...........................................................................
New website on medieval astronomical instruments
------------------------------------------------
By David A. King, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64,
9. Nov. 2003, Item 6.)
There is now an updated website giving information about research on
medieval Islamic and European astronomical instruments that has been
conducted in Frankfurt over the past 10 years.
Some of this activity has been made possible by generous support from the
German Research Foundation (DFG).
The new website features a list of publications, works in press, and works
in preparation by members of the Frankfurt team, past and present. In these
publications we have tried to use astronomical instruments as historical
sources within their cultural and geographical contexts. Thus, for example,
it was possible to show that the astrolabe supposedly dedicated by
Regiomontanus to his patron Cardinal Bessarion in 1462 but branded fake,
was one of close to a dozen from the same or closely-related workshops,
some even by the same maker. Again, it has been possible to show that
various medieval European instruments such as the quadrans vetus were known
already in 9th-century Baghdad. In the case of the elusive navicula de
Venetiis we have been able to show that all of the components were known in
the same milieu, as was a more complicated instrument for timekeeping by
the stars for any latitude. New evidence from manuscripts establishes the
context of three brass world-maps from 17th-century Iran bearing
highly-sophisticated grids preserving direction and (the sine of) the
distance to Mecca at the centre firmly in earlier (10th and 11th century)
Islamic mathematics. Some of the studies concentrate on the inscriptions
(such as names of the zodiacal signs and months in regional Latin or local
vernaculars), the geographical information explicit or implicit on
instruments, and others treat the instruments within the general context of
astronomical timekeeping or as historical works of art.
There is also a provisional table of contents (TOC) of the catalogue that
has been in preparation for the past few years. This TOC can serve for the
present and immediate future as an ordered list of instruments, arranged
chronologically by provenance. I would be grateful for information on any
early instruments that are not listed here.
The information on instruments from after ca. 1500 was compiled about 10
years ago and in the main has not been touched since. The entries for such
instruments in the TOC for later instruments have simply been picked up by
the automatic TOC generator: for many of them there are no descriptions,
and none are planned. Certain later sections of the catalogue/TOC have been
made redundant anyway by recent publications by Gerard Turner (English
Renaissance), Koenraad van Cleempoel (Flemish and Spanish Renaissance), and
the forthcoming publication by S. R. Sarma (Indian instruments with
inscriptions in Arabic-Persian-Sanscrit).
The descriptions of instruments from before ca. 1500 are in reasonable
shape but are not yet publishable. The long-term goal was/is to make the
descriptions available, starting with early Islamic instruments (to 1200)
and then the earliest European instruments. This will be done in small
batches, and some sample descriptions will eventually be put on this site.
For the rest there is still plenty of work to be done. Any serious
researcher working on a specific group of instruments is welcome to inspect
the materials available here or take over the descriptions of such a corpus
of instruments.
A major problem is the lack of adequate photographic documentation. Only a
minority of museums are capable of preparing decent photos of instruments,
and costs have skyrocketed. See the site EPACT mentioned below for some
good photos.
More serious problems are: 1) the fact that funding for the project is
virtually exhausted, and 2) the fact that most of the young scholars who
have been trained here in the study of instruments have moved on.
The website is:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/fb13/ign/instrument-catalogue.html
I hope that it will stimulate some serious interest in these "forgotten
treasures of the Middle Ages".
Please note: The website
EPACT: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe,
http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/epact/
provides illustrations and descriptions of European instruments
in Oxford, Florence, London (BM) and Leiden.
Author's address:
Prof. Dr. David A. King
Institute for History of Science
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University
D 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
e-mail: king@em.uni-frankfurt.de or kingabumax@aol.com
Tel. +49-69-7982-2754 / -2337 / -2338, Fax: -3275
[Source: David A. King to Rete Mailing List, rete@mhs.ox.ac.uk,
27 June 2002]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 53, Nov. 17, 2003
...........................................................................
International Conference: Zdenek Kopal's Binary Star Legacy
-----------------------------------------------------------
First Announcement of an International Conference:
ZDENEK KOPAL'S BINARY STAR LEGACY
Litomysl, Bohemia, Czech Republic
31 March to 3 April 2004
On the occasion of the 90th birthday of late Professor Zdenek Kopal a
conference will be held from March 31 to April 3, 2004 in the estates of
the castle of the Bohemian town of Litomysl, where Zdenek Kopal was born.
MEETING ORGANIZERS
* Astronomical Institute of Charles University, Prague
* Astronomical Institute of Academy of Science, Ondrejov
* Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno
* B.R.N.O. - Variable Star Section of the Czech Astronomical Society
The international conference is especially dedicated to remind the
achievements of a great astronomer, but will also aim at more general
aspects of contemporary binary star astronomy.
PROGRAM TOPICS:
1. Introductory session
- Appreciation of Kopal's work
- Reminiscences and fellows' views of a great astronomer
2. Binary star morphology
3. Mathematical physics and numerical modelling
INVITED SPEAKERS of the Introductory Session (preliminary list):
1. Introductory Session
A. Batten: Digging Foundations for the Royal Road
E. Budding: A fellow's view of Kopal's
royal road to binary stars
A. M. Cherepashchuk: Atmospheric Eclipses in Wolf-Rayet Binaries:
from Kopal and Shapley to Present Days
M. Kitamura: Reminiscences of a Japanese contemporary
(For invited speakers of the other sessions see the web site indicated
below.)
SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (SOC):
Alan Batten Dominion Astrophysics Observatory,
Victoria, Canada
Dmitrij V. Bisikalo Inst. of Astronomy, Russian Academy of
Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Edwin Budding CIT/Carter Observatory, Wellington,
New Zealand
Osman Demircan Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
Canakkale, Turkey
Horst Drechsel (chair) Dr. Remeis Observatory, Astron. Institute,
Univ. Erlangen-Nuernberg, Bamberg, Germany
Petr Hadrava Astron. Institute Ondrejov,
Academy of Sciences of CZ
Pavel Mayer Astronomical Institute, Charles University,
Prague, CZ
Zdenek Mikulasek Inst. of Theoretical Physics and
Astrophys., Masaryk University, Brno, CZ
Izold Pustylnik Tartu Observatory, Estonia
Nikolaj N. Samus Institute of Astronomy, Russian Academy
of Sciences; Sternberg Astronomical Inst.,
Moscow, Russia
Dimitar Sasselov Harvard University, Dept. of Astronomy, USA
Augustin Skopal Astron. Institute, Tatranska Lomnica,
Academy of Sciences, Slovak Republic
Robert Wilson Astronomy Dept., University of Florida, USA
Marek Wolf Astronomical Institute, Charles University,
Prague, CZ
Miloslav Zejda N. Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium,
Brno, CZ
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC):
Miloslav Zejda (chair), Miroslav Broz, Petr Hajek, Ondrej Pejcha
(BRNO-VSS), Eva Piknova, Michaela Severova (Litomysl), Jan Janik (FS MU)
The organizers can look back to a more than 40 years lasting period of
continued observational and publication activities in the field of variable
star research, on an almost equally long tradition of holding national
conferences (mainly in Brno), and a 20 years history of international
contacts. While previous variable star meetings were held at Brno
Planetarium, this conference in honour of Prof. Kopal will exceptionally
take place at the castle of the marvelous Bohemian town of Litomysl,
Kopal's birth place. The organizers hope that the meeting will not only
help to remind Zdenek Kopal as an esteemed colleague and outstanding
astronomer, but will also serve to present new aspects and trends in binary
star research and as a forum for discussion among astronomers from many
countries.
CONTACT ADDRESS:
M. Zejda: N. Copernicus Observatory and Planetarium,
Kravi hora 2, 61600 Brno, CZ
Phone: 420 541321287, fax 420 541233389
WWW: http://var.astro.cz/kopal
E-mail: H. Drechsel (SOC): drechsel@sternwarte.uni-erlangen.de
M. Zejda (LOC): zejda@hvezdarna.cz
DEADLINES:
Early registration: 15 February 2004
Late registration: 15 March 2004
Abstracts: 29 February 2004
Proceedings: 1 October 2004
MEETING SITE:
The East Bohemian town of Litomysl emerged in the 13th century on the site
of an older fortified settlement on the Trstenice path - an important
trading route linking Bohemia and Moravia. The dominant feature of Litomysl
is the monumental Renaissance castle dating from the years 1568-1581. The
buildings of the castle precincts are not only exceptional for their
architectural refinement, but have also inscribed themselves in history as
the birth place of the Czech national composer, Bedrich Smetana. On the
elongated square, which is one of the largest in the Czech Republic, a town
hall of Gothic origin and a series of Renaissance and baroque houses are
found, many of them with arcades and vaulted groundfloor rooms. One of the
most important of these is the House At the Knights (U Rytiru) with its
remarkable facade. In the past the town was also a significant religious
centre; it was in Litomysl in 1344 that the second bishopric to be
established in Bohemia was founded. The cultural traditions of the town go
much beyond regional and national frontiers. The exquisite interiors of the
castle, especially the baroque castle theatre, the amphitheatre in the
castle park and Smetanas' house, all offer varied programmes of concerts
and theatrical performances and thus enrich the life of the town throughout
the year. Litomysl came to public notice in a political context as well: in
1994 the meeting of the seven Central European presidents took place at the
castle, and in 1995 the Spanish royal couple visited the town. The chateau
complex was included in the UNESCO list of cultural monuments 1999.
Litomysl was awarded the title "Historical town of the year 2000".
(for more information see www.litomysl.cz)
PAPERS:
Working language is English.
The Proceedings will be published as a special issue of the Kluwer journal
Astrophysics & Space Science, which was founded by Kopal. If you are
interested in presenting a paper please submit your abstract before
February 29, 2004. Abstracts received after this deadline will not be
included in the booklet of abstracts to be distributed at the beginning of
the conference.
REGISTRATION:
The registration fee is 130 EUR, late registration fee 160 EUR, and reduced
fee for accompanying person is 35 EUR. The full registration fee includes
coffee, admission to party, excursion, concert, abstract booklet, and a
copy of the proceedings. The reduced registration fee will only cover
admission to conference sessions and concert, and coffee.
Early registration deadline is 15 February 2004. The ultimate deadline for
acceptance of conference applications will be March 15.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
The organisers have only very limited possibility to support a few
participants. We will do our best to help you in any respect if necessary.
You can send your request to the LOC.
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Litomysl is located 150 km away from Prague, 85 km from Brno, 50 km from
Hradec Kralove. You can use busses from Prague or Brno or (international)
trains to Ceska Trebova, and from there local trains or busses to Litomysl.
For a map of the Czech Republic see http://www.mapy.cz .
We look forward to meeting you in Litomysl in Spring 2004.
Miloslav Zejda Horst Drechsel
chairperson of LOC chairperson of SOC
Other events:
Saturday-Sunday Congress of the Czech Astronomical Society
3-4-Apr Public lessons
Sunday 11:00 Unveiling of a tablet at Kopal's house
4-Apr
More information and a Conference Application Form are available at
http://var.astro.cz/kopal
[Source: http://var.astro.cz/kopal/announce.txt, abbreviated here]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 53, Nov. 17, 2003
...........................................................................
XXIII Scientific Instrument Symposium
-------------------------------------
The XXIII Scientific Instrument Symposium (SIS 2004) of the International
Union of the History of Science will be held in Dresden, capital of the
State of Saxony, Germany, September 6 - 11, 2004.
Registration will take place in the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (MPS)
in the Baroque Zwinger, and the conference sessions will be held in the
re-built Palace and in the city's Technical Collections.
The symposium hotel is located within a ten-minutes' walk from the Zwinger,
the Palace, and the historic city center. Coffee and tea as well as
arrangements for lunch will be provided.
The symposium is open for all studies touching on historic scientific
instruments. SIC members are invited to organize sessions on particular
themes.
The following proposals for sessions have been received:
- Suzanne Debarbat: Instruments for Weights and Measures
(e-mail: suzanne.debarbat@obspm.fr)
- Roland Wittje: Acoustics: On the Threshhold Between Scientific and
Musical Instruments (working title)
(e-mail: roland.wittje@phys.ntnu.no)
- Peter Plassmeyer: Central European Instruments of the 16th-18th
Centuries
(e-mail: peterplassmeyer@web.de)
- Sven Dupre and Michael Korey, Scientific Instruments in Kunstkammer
and Court Collections
(e-mail: m.korey@web.de and sven.dupre@ugent.be)
Preliminary Program:
Monday, Sept. 6th Afternoon: Registration, reception, and exclusive
viewing in the MPS
Tuesday, Sept. 7th Morning and Afternoon: Sessions
Wednesday, Sept. 8th Morning and Afternoon: Sessions, Poster session
Thursday, Sept. 9th Morning: Viewing of the Dresden university collections
Afternoon: Sessions
17:00 Plenary meeting SIC
19:00 Conference Dinner
(Steamboat cruise on the Elbe River to the summer palace at Pillnitz)
Friday, Sept. 10th Excursions to severals significant (and largely unknown)
collections in Saxony are planned, including Freiberg and Waldenburg,
Goerlitz and Bautzen. (Details will appear on the registration form.)
Saturday, Sept. 11th Morning: Sessions possible
All day: A visit to several museums in Dresden is planned, including the
Gruenes Gewoelbe, the Ruestkammer, and the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum.
(Details to be provided.)
Contact address:
SIS 2004
Dresden State Art Collections
Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon
Zwinger
D-01067 Dresden, Germany
TEL. +49 (0) 351 4914 -661
FAX. +49 (0) 351 4914 -666
e-mail: info@sis2004-dresden.de
More information:
http://www.sis2004-dresden.de
http://www.dresden.de
http://www.skd-dresden.de
[Source: http://www.sis2004-dresden.de]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For directly sending us information we thank Stuart Williams.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar
W. Duerbeck
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
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Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Archives: Previous issues of ENHA may be found at
http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ .
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astrohist.org/
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org
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Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank
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Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 54
*************************************************************************** * * * ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY * * * * Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy * * in the Astronomische Gesellschaft * * * * Number 54, November 24, 2003 * * * * Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck * * * *************************************************************************** Contents -------- 1. Symposium on History of Meteorology 2. Seventh Oxford Conference on Archaeoastronomy 3. Symposium on Scientific Instrument Collections 4. Conference "Horoscopes and History" 5. Gamow Memorial Conference 6. Exhibition on Francois Arago in Paris 7. Commission for the History of Ancient and Medieval Astronomy Acknowledgements Imprint ........................................................................... Item 1 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Symposium on History of Meteorology ----------------------------------- The Presidential History Symposium, sponsored by the American Meteorological Society and organized by the AMS History Committee, will be held 13 January 2004, as part of the 84th Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington. Preliminary programs, registration, hotel, and general information will be posted on the AMS Web site (http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS) in mid-September 2003. The 84th Annual Meeting is being organized around the broad theme of "prediction." This past century, the overarching challenge to the atmospheric and related sciences has been to predict weather and climate. These sciences, perhaps more than any others, are tested on a daily basis through the forecasting of the various elements of the Earth's environment. Numerical weather prediction is widely regarded to be among the foremost scientific accomplishments of the 20th century. Especially significant advances have been made in atmospheric and oceanic forecasting of weather and climate systems over the past 20 years. Papers that broadly address historical issues of "prediction" in the development of scientific theory and applications in the geophysical sciences are solicited. Possible themes might include the role of patronage in determining what gets predicted, how disciplinary communities determine the predictability of an event or phenomena, how the public has viewed scientific prediction, scientific controversies surrounding predictions, and how predictions have affected the development of governmental policy. Historians of science and scientists engaged in historical research are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal. Abstracts are due no later than 1 August 2003. Please contact History Committee Chairperson: Dr. Kristine Harper, 946 NW Circle Blvd., #306, Corvallis, OR 97330-1410, USA. E-mail: kharper@proaxis.com. [Text provided by Ron Doel.] ........................................................................... Item 2 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Seventh Oxford Conference on Archaeoastronomy --------------------------------------------- The Seventh Oxford Conference on Archaeoastronomy will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, June 20-27, 2004. The theme of the meeting is "Bridging Anthropology and Astronomy". This is the latest in a series of international conferences focused on the study of how peoples throughout history and prehistory have been affected by astronomical phenomena, how they have used these phenomena, and what role they played in their cultures. Earlier meetings in this series were held at Oxford University (UK) in 1981, Mexico (1986), Scotland (1990), Bulgaria (1993), Santa Fe (USA) (1996), and Tenerife (Spain) (1999). Information about the meeting is at . [Source: Rolf Sinclair to History of Astronomy Discussion Group (HASTRO-L), 20 Oct 2003] ........................................................................... Item 3 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Symposium on Scientific Instrument Collections ---------------------------------------------- Mundi subterranei - Scientific Instrument Collections in the University An International Symposium at Dartmouth College, 24-27 June 2004 Co-sponsored by the Scientific Instrument Commission and Dartmouth College The Dartmouth Collection of Historic Scientific Instruments dates from the founding of the College in 1769. It mirrors the development of American science in an academic setting, from the early days of the Republic through the Cold War. There are surveying chains, orreries, telescopes and globes from the first years of the College; American and European apparatus from the early nineteenth century; apparatus from the purchasing trips of Dartmouth professors throughout the nineteenth century; the astronomical instruments of the Shattuck observatory (built in 1853) and of Charles Young (1843-1908), who became a pioneer in the study of the solar spectrum. The collection is strong in instruments from the early student laboratories, teaching and research apparatus dating from the first few decades of the new Wilder Laboratory (1900), and apparatus, rare and common, from the period 1920-1980. The instruments are accompanied by a large number of original boxes, pamplets, purchase receipts, lab notes, correspondence and catalogues. The Dartmouth collection is currently being reorganized and catalogued. Although hundreds of universities and colleges have preserved historic scientific apparatus, many of these collections remain less than fully accessible and may even be virtually unknown outside of (and within) their home institutions. Yet these collections, taken individually, provide unique windows into the history of scientific research, pedagogy and popularization. Taken collectively, they represent a vast resource for research and teaching that is not duplicated in large national collections of historic scientific instruments. The purpose of the Dartmouth Conference is to stimulate creative thinking about potential futures for these university collections. In particular, we hope: 1. To encourage the development of a network among these collections and their caretakers. 2. To provide a forum to discuss practical problems that pertain to such collections, including acquisition, cataloguing and documentation, storage, access, exhibitions, preservation, environmental safety, and security. 3. To explore ways to raise the profile of these collections on campus and to enhance opportunities to use them for teaching and research. 4. To share scholarly information about scientific instruments at universities, their histories and the collections in which they reside. In addition to several invited panels and a keynote address, the conference will feature contributed papers and posters. We invite proposals for paper or posters on the following topics: a. Practicalities of collection management, curatorial interpretation, and the relationship of the holdings and their caretakers to other university collections, departments, museums or administrative entities. b. Uses for university instrument collections, such as undergraduate or graduate teaching, research, online or onsite exhibitions, and celebration of local heritage. c. Histories of particular collections, collectors, or site-specific instruments; and histories of instruments or scientific practice as informed by the holdings of university collections considered collectively. Parts of the Dartmouth Collection will be on display and the Shattuck Observatory (1853) will be open. Dartmouth is situated in semi-rural New Hampshire, readily accessible by air or surface from Boston. For those who might wish to extend their stay, the region provides many cultural, historic and outdoor activities. Early summer weather can be very pleasant in New England! We plan to have a day of optional field trips. In the morning we will visit the American Precision Museum in Windsor, VT where we can inspect two floors of precision machines. We hope to make special arrangement to visit the stores, which are filled with additional machines. Of special interest are several ruling engines. We will then travel to Springfield, VT and lunch at the Hartness House. An underground tunnel connects the Hartness House with the Hartness Turret Telescope (refractor) which will be open for our inspection. We are making arrangements to visit the restored Porter Turret Telescope (reflector) located on a nearby hill. The building is large enough to accommodate several people and the instrument is used in the daytime to project the solar image. Lodging will be made available in a Dartmouth College dormitory for a nominal amount (c. USD45 per night). The Hanover Inn will provide discounted rooms (c. USD85 per night). Please continue to consult our website for additional information. www.dartmouth.edu/~sicu , where also a detailed program is given. The SICU Planning Committee Francis Manasek (chair), Richard Kremer, David Pantalony, Sara Schechner [Sources: David A. Pantalony to Rete Discussion Group, 10 June 2003; www.dartmouth.edu/~sicu] ........................................................................... Item 4 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Conference "Horoscopes and History" ----------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 66, 22. November 2003, Item 5.) The subdepartment History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents is pleased to announce a conference entitled "Horoscopes and History" that will take place at the University of Amsterdam from 26-28 July 2004. The conference will bring together leading scholars in the history of astrology, among them D. Blume, J.-P. Boudet, N. Campion, P. Curry, St. Heilen, J. H. Holden, W. Huebner, R. Plantiko, P. Schiller, St. van den Broecke, and R. Zoller. The conference is open to a wider public and the organizers highly appreciate a broad reception. In this conference, the general theme "Horoscopes and History" will be approached from several perspectives: "Horoscopes as historical sources" addresses the methodological question of how the study of nativities can enrich historical research. Horoscopes can be regarded as a highly specialized genre of historical narrative that needs to be applied by historians in a different way than other source material. How can horoscopes be scrutinized in order to understand and reconstruct historical events? Horoscopes as astronomical sources discusses the underlying astronomical parameters of nativities. Any astrological interpretation relies on astronomical data, from which certain techniques for predicting the development of the native and future events have been derived. How can these parameters be deduced and interpreted and how are they employed for specific astrological techniques and calculations? "Horoscopes as rhetoric device" considers the role of horoscopes in political and public discourse. The publication of imperial nativities, the use of horoscopes by representatives of higher social orders, or the public debate about the horoscopes of religious leaders are significant elements in claims of superiority over political and religious opponents. "Horoscopes and biographical narrative" is closely related to the other approaches but stresses the role of horoscopes for constructing coherent and meaningful individual biographies. From the fifteenth through the twentieth century nativities were used as powerful means for biographical "emplotment" and the formation of identities. Given the wide spectrum of source material, the conference is not limited to one specific period in the history of Western culture. The aim is rather to systematically explore the role of horoscopes in historical research and to apply these methodological considerations to concrete case studies and different contexts. The conference fee will be EUR 20.00 to cover the costs for catering etc. People who are interested in participating are kindly requested to contact Kocku von Stuckrad. Organizers: Dr. phil. habil. Kocku von Stuckrad University of Amsterdam, History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents Oude Turfmarkt 147 NL - 1012 GC Amsterdam E-Mail: c.k.m.vonstuckrad@uva.nl Dr. phil. habil. Guenther Oestmann E-Mail: oestmann@nord-com.net More information: www.amsterdamhermetica.com [Text provided by Guenther Oestmann.] ........................................................................... Item 5 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Gamow Memorial Conference ------------------------- Astrophysics and Cosmology after Gamow - Theory and Observations International Gamow Memorial Conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of George Gamow Odessa, Ukraine, August 8-14, 2004 ORGANIZERS: Odessa National University, Department of Astronomy of the Odessa National University, Ukrainian Astronomical Association, Euro-Asian Astronomical Society, Odessa Astronomical Society, Russian Gravitational Society SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Chairman: Professor G.S. Bisnovatyi-Kogan (Moscow, Russia) Vice-chairmen: Professor S.A. Silich (Puebla, Mexico - Kiev, Ukraine), Professor A.I. Zhuk (Odessa, Ukraine) Scientific committee members: N.G. Bochkarev (Moscow, Russia), R. McCray (Boulder, Colorado, USA), P.I. Fomin (Kiev, Ukraine), Pedro Gonzales-Diaz (Madrid, Spain), J. Franco (Mexico), N.S. Kardashev (Moscow, Russia), A.A. Konovalenko (Kharkov, Ukraine), R. Lovelace (Cornell University, USA), V.N. Melnikov (Moscow, Russia), V.N. Rudenko (Moscow, Russia), J. Silk (Oxford, UK), A.A. Starobinsky (Moscow, Russia), R. Terlevich (Puebla, Mexico), J.C. Wheeler (Austin, Texas, USA), V.G. Zhotikov (Moscow, Russia) Conference secretary: O.D. Toropina (Moscow, Russia) GAMOW MEMORIAL COMMITTEE: Chairman: Rector of a Odessa National University, professor V.A. Smyntyna Memorial committee members: A.M. Cherepashchuk (Moskow, Russia), A.D. Chernin (Moscow, Russia ), J. Einasto, (Tartu, Estonia), I.R. Gamow (Colorado University, USA), V.G. Karetnikov (Odessa, Ukraine), V.N. Obridko (Moscow, Russia), J. Palous (Prague, Czech. Republic), I.B. Pustylnik (Tartu, Estonia), M.I. Ryabov (Odessa, Ukraine), V. Trimble (IAU), M. Valtonen (Turku, Finland), I.A. Vakarchuk (Lviv, Ukraine), Ya.C. Yatskiv (Kiev, Ukraine) INVITED SPEAKERS: V.A. Belinski (Italy - Russia), V.S. Beskin (Russia), S. Blinnikov (Russia), V.M. Chechetkin (Russia), M. Demianski * (Poland), A.D. Dolgov (Italy - Russia), V.P. Frolov (Canada - Russia), D.V. Galtsov (Russia), M.Yu. Khlopov (Russia), I. Khriplovich (Russia), C. Kiefer (Germany), T. Lozinskaya (Russia), S. Moiseenko (Russia), I.D. Novikov * (Denmark - Russia), R. Ruffini (Italy), A. Silbergleit * (Stanford, USA), M. Shapiro, J. Soda (Japan), D.G. Yakovlev (Russia). * - to be confirmed CONFERENCE SESSION: 1. Memorial meeting (Convener - A. Chernin) 2. Cosmology and Gravitation (Convener - A. Zhuk) 3. Large-Scale Structure of the Universe (Convener - V. Lukash) 4. Gravitational Lenses in the Universe (Convener - M. Sazhin) 5. Neutron Stars and Black Holes: Observations and Acretion Theory (Convener - M. Prokhorov) 6. Nucleosynthesis in Stars, Starbursts and Interstellar Medium (Convener - N. Bochkarev) 7. High Energy Astrophysics (Convener - B. Hnatyk) Please send title and abstract of your talks to the convener of the session where you would like to present your talk (by Email - addresses see on conference web site). The choice between the oral talk and poster will be done by the convener, where your wishes will be taken into account as far as possible. SUPPORT OF THE CONFERENCE: Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Scienses, European INTAS Fund, UNESCO, International Astronomical Union, European Astronomical Society, American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society REGISTRATION FEE: - participant registered before March 1, 2004: 240 USD - participant registered after March 1, 2004: 280 USD For Eastern European Countries: - participant registered before March 1, 2004: 120 USD - participant registered after March 1, 2004: 160 USD For NIS Countries: - participant registered before March 1, 2004: 25 USD - participant registered after March 1, 2004: 35 USD The conference fee includes Proceedings, coffee breaks, ... Payment is possible on a bank account or by cash upon arrival. More information and registration form: http://www.iki.rssi.ru/gmic100/ Other Gamow memorial events: - Gamow's days at Odessa State University, St. Petersburg State University, Colorado University and Physicotechnical Institute Russion Academy of Sciences (March 2004) - Establishment of a memorable medal in Odessa State University (March 2004) - Gamow memorial plate mounting (March 2004) - Establishment of the Gamow Center and Planetarium at Odessa State University [Sources: http://www.iki.rssi.ru/gmic100/english/first.htm; http://www.iki.rssi.ru/gmic100/english/project.htm] ........................................................................... Item 6 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Exhibition on Francois Arago in Paris ------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 66, 22. November 2003, Item 1.) "Francois Arago et l'Observatoire de Paris" Exhibition from October 4 to December 6, 2003 at Paris Observatory Paris Observatory opens its gates between October 4 to December 6, 2003 to present an exposition dedicated to Francois Arago, astronomer and politician, whose 150th anniversary of death is remembered this year. Francois Arago (1786 - 1853) was an important figure of the scientific and political life in the first half of the 19th century. Paris Observatory, which he joined in 1805 and where he died in 1853, is the center of his intense and many-sided activity. The observatory owns an abundant estate which is unknown to the general public, and has thus arranged an exhibition to pay tribute to this unusual personality. The exhibition permits to rediscover his scientific and political adventures by means of manuscripts, instruments and vestiges, and the lecture hall where he gave his famous "Course in popular astronomy". Each visitor can feel the impression which has been imprinted into the walls of the Observatory and into the memory of Paris by one of its famous directors who was also briefly president. The exhibition is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 2 and 6 p.m. Batiment Perrault, 61, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France Admission fee: 4.50 EUR [adopted from: http://www.obspm.fr/actual/nouvelle/oct03/Expo-Arago.fr.shtml] ........................................................................... Item 7 ENHA No. 54, Nov. 24, 2003 ........................................................................... Commission for the History of Ancient and Medieval Astronomy ------------------------------------------------------------ The 21st International Congress of History of Science (ICHS) was held in Mexico, July 8-14, 2001. The Congress was sponsored by the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science (IUHPS), which in turn is adhered to UNESCO through the International Scientific Union (ICSU). ICHS is held every fourth year. The next Congress will be held in China in 2005. As a matter of fact, ICHS is organised with the help of a large number of symposia and meetings of its scientific sections. At the 21st Congress, 67 symposia were organised, 28 sectional meetings and 4 special sessions. More than 1000 historian of science contributed in the Mexico Congress. The international community of historians of science can not become individually members of the IUHPS. Its constitution allows only countries (through national committees) and history of science associations/academies as members. At present, 49 countries adhere to it. For the individual historians of science, there are a number of historical commissions, that are a sort of working-groups of specialised research fields, and the members of which interact among themselves. For instance, there are 11 historical commissions before the Mexico Congress. At the General Assembly (GA) of IUHPS (i.e. the business meetings of the Executive Council and General Body of IUHPS), which is held at each ICHS, the presidents of the Historical Commissions are also elected, besides the election of the Executive Council. Proposals of new commissions are also approved at GA. At the 21st ICHS in Mexico two new commissions were created, namely, "Commission for the History of Ancient and Medieval Astronomy" (President, S.M. Razaullah Ansari, Aligarh /India), and "Commission for the History of Science and Cultural Diversity" (President, Paulus Gerdes, Mozambique). The proposal for the creation of the Commission for the History of Ancient and Medieval Astronomy (CHAMA) was moved by Prof. S.M.R. Ansari (Aligarh/India). He stated the rationale underlying the proposal of this commission as follows: "The main aim and objective of this Commission is to bring under its purview research in the astronomical heritage of all cultural areas of the world. This idea is in consonance with the theme of this 21st Congress, namely, Science and Cultural Diversity. As historians of science, we know that astronomy was the most significant science during the ancient and medieval period. The majority of the world historians of astronomy are expert not only of astronomy, but they are also scholars of classical languages: Chinese, Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Arabic and Persian etc., in the sources of which enormous amount of astronomical data is locked in. For these historians of astronomy particularly a forum is required, so that its members could interact among themselves, and acquaint themselves particularly with the work-in-progress of their colleagues. To achieve this end, this Commission is proposed." The Commission wishes to organise under its auspices a Symposium at the 22nd ICHS (China), in 2005. Further it publishes a Newsletter, under the Editorship of Prof. Ansari, and Ms. Anne Tihon, the Secretary of the Commission, who is a well-known historian of Greek astronomy. The Newsletter will be published in electronic version as well as printed publication. The Commission requests all historians of astronomy, particularly of ancient and medieval period, to register themselves and to send the President / Secretary information regarding their work-in-progress, publications and news items for the Newsletter. For contact, e-mail addresses are: Raza.Ansari@gmx.net, Raza.Ansari@vsnl.com, and tihon@ori.ucl.ac.be. Postal addresses: President: Prof. S.M. Razaullah Ansari, Roshan Villa, Muzammil Manzil Compound, Dodhpur, Aligarh 20002, India, Tel. +91-571-703952, fax: 400466 Secretary: Anne Tihon, Universite Catholique de Louvain, 28 rue Ferme du Coq, Court-St-Etienne, 1490, Belgium Website of CHAMA: http://chama.fltr.ucl.ac.be/ [Based on text provided by S.M. Razaullah Ansari and Anne Tihon, also printed in more extended form in Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage 5, 2002, p. 102] ........................................................................... Acknowledgements ---------------- For directly sending us information we thank S.M. Razaullah Ansari, Guenther Oestmann, Ron Doel, and Anne Tihon. ........................................................................... Imprint ------- Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA) Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the Astronomische Gesellschaft Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar W. Duerbeck All items without an author's name are editorial contributions. Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated. Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for occasional voluntary donations to the working group. Copyright Statement: The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed. Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media is possible only with the editor's permission. Archives: Previous issues of ENHA are to be found at http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ . Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of Astronomy: URL: http://www.astrohist.org/ Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany, Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140 Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft: Acct # 310 330 402, Volksbank Coesfeld-Duelmen (BLZ 401 631 23) Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20 Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte" ***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 55
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 55, November 28, 2003 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
A note on electronic subscriptions
1. The Observatory Museum in Palermo
2. Transit of Venus exhibition in Utrecht
3. Mohammad Bagheri: Sundial Group of the Thaqib Astronomical Society
4. 2004 LeRoy E. Doggett Prize to Michael Hoskin
5. History of astronomy at the 203rd AAS Meeting
6. Eddington Workshop
7. New books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
A note on electronic subscriptions
----------------------------------
Dear readers of ENHA:
The administration of the mailing list for ENHA is somewhat tiresome: new
subscribers join from time to time (this is the pleasant side), some
readers communicate address changes, and finally, after each distribution,
several error messages are returned: "User unknown", "mailbox full", "over
quota", etc. Sometimes this is only a temporary event, often, however, such
a problem persists. Until now, I have collected the error messages for an
extended time and then examined if the problem is a temporary or a
permanent one. Often I have also attempted to find the new address of a
subscriber, and in many cases I was even successful. This procedure is,
however, time-consuming and cannot be carried out any more. Starting from
this issue, I will apply the following method: After the arrival of the
first error message, the corresponding address is removed from the mailing
list. After about one month, I will send to all removed addresses a test
mail with a request to respond. Only if I receive a response from the
subscriber, the address will be added again to the mailing list. Please
react as soon as possible when you receive such a message! It is even
better if you inform me in time when your address changes, or when you are
not interested any more to receive ENHA. In this way, you facilitate our
work very much.
With best regards
Wolfgang Dick
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
The Observatory Museum in Palermo
---------------------------------
The Museum of the Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo was opened to the
public for the first time in March and April 2001, for the exhibition "Da
Cerere all'Astrofisica" ("From Ceres to Astrophysics"). The great success
of this event has led to the permanent opening of the museum, starting from
the 1st October 2001, from Monday to Friday (holidays excluded). The Museum
is located in the original premises of the Observatory, founded in 1790,
and now restored. It houses a rich collection of original fittings and
instruments. In particular, the famous Ramsden circle - with which
Giuseppe Piazzi discovered Cerere Ferdinandea, the first of the Asteroids,
on the night of the 1st January 1801 - has been put back into its "circular
room". The "meridian room" with the boiseries designed by Giovan Battista
Filippo Basile has been repainted with its original colours. The Merz
equatorial, bought in 1895, has been placed back into its original room.
With this instrument, the astronomer Pietro Tacchini started the
systematical observations of the sun in 1865. The XVIII century show-cases,
designed by the architect Dufourny, have been placed in the gallery. They
contain the oldest intruments in the Observatory. All the instruments of
historical interest, collected over 200 years of activity of the Palermo
Observatory, are kept in modern exhibitors.
Visits last one hour, and are guided (Italian, English and French).
There are two visits per day:
- first admission at 9.30
- second admission at 11.00
The visit costs 2,50 Euros and the maximum number of participants per visit
is 15. It is necessary to book in advance in order to visit the museum.
Visitors are not accepted if they arrive 15 minutes later than the time
above.
For reservation and/or information, please contact:
Ileana Chinnici, phone 091-233443, chinnici@astropa.unipa.it
Donata Randazzo, phone 091-233243, donata@astropa.unipa.it
Laura Daricello, phone 091-233247, daric@astropa.unipa.it
Address:
Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo (OAPa)
Piazza del Parlamento 1, 90134 Palermo, Italy
Tel: +39 091 233-111, Fax: +39 091 233-444
URL: http://www.astropa.unipa.it/
[Source: http://www.astropa.unipa.it/versione_inglese/museum.html]
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
Transit of Venus exhibition in Utrecht
--------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 66,
22. November 2003, Item 2. Translation by Klaus Staubermann.)
The Utrecht Astronomy Museum "Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh" (Netherlands) will
show an exhibition titled "Venus achterna: Sterrenkundigen op expeditie in
1874" from 19 December 2003 till 5 September 2004. The exhibition is
dedicated to the Dutch Transit of Venus expedition of 1874 and documents
the expedition from its beginnings to the final decision not to set up an
expedition again in 1882. The Dutch expedition of 1874 went to the island
of Reunion (Indian Ocean). The exhibition will show the instruments used
(from the collections of the University Museum Utrecht, the Museum
Boerhaave, and the Teylers Museum) as well as documents and records from
various Dutch archives.
The Museum "Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh" is associated with the University
Museum Utrecht and is currently refurbished. Besides the special exhibition
on the Transit of Venus it shows a permanent new exhibition on meridian
astronomy in Utrecht and from next year also two exhibitions on meteorology
(Buys-Ballot) and solar physics (Minnaert). Also, on July 8, 2004 a Transit
of Venus party will take place, together with the possibilty of observing
the transit (weather permitting).
The Astronomie Museum is open from Tuesday till Friday from 11 am till 5 pm
and on Sundays from 1 pm till 4 pm. Guided tours and observing nights can
be booked in advance.
Address:
Museum Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh
Zonnenburg 2
3512 NL Utrecht
Netherlands
Tel.: 030-2302818 (Mon - Fri 9:30 am - 4 pm)
Fax: 030-2334992
E-mail: info@sonnenborgh.nl
Further information: www.sonnenborgh.nl
[Text provided by Klaus Staubermann.]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
Sundial Group of the Thaqib Astronomical Society
------------------------------------------------
By Mohammad Bagheri
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 64,
9. November 2003, Item 7.)
Friday 27 September 2002 was the first day of establishment and formal
activity of a "Sundial Group" as a working branch of the THAQIB
Astronomical Society in Rasht (centre of the Gilan province in northern
Iran, on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea). The seat of the Society is
in a newly built beautiful park, which is planned to become a "Sundial
Park". At present there is an analemmatic sundial in this park that
attracts many visitors to the park. The members of the Sundial Group
(mostly young schoolgirls) plan to study the history along with
mathematical, astronomical and artistic aspects of sundials, which provide
them with a concrete application of the mathematical courses, especially
trigonometry. They are supposed to be in charge of designing several
sundials for the cultural buildings in the whole province in future. Any
comments or communications may be sent to:
Sundial Group, Thaqib Astronomical Society, P.O. Box 13145-1785, Tehran,
Iran
[Source: Peter Ransom to Sundial Mailing List, sundial@rrz.uni-koeln.de,
3 Nov 2002]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
2004 LeRoy E. Doggett Prize to Michael Hoskin
---------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 67,
27. November 2003, Item 2.)
The Historical Astronomy Division of the American Astronomical Society
is pleased to announce that Michael Hoskin has been awarded the Fourth
LeRoy E. Doggett Prize for Historical Astronomy. The award of the Prize
was for his distinguished career and publication record that has
significantly influenced the field of the history of astronomy.
With this award, the AAS has invited Michael to give the Doggett Prize
Lecture at a plenary session at the AAS meeting in Atlanta, and it has
been provisionally scheduled for the morning of Monday, January 5, 2004.
For his Lecture, he will speak about "The REAL Caroline Herschel."
As a leading expert on William Herschel, Hoskin has written broadly on
the Herschel family and its achievements. Last spring he published his
latest contribution, The Herschel Partnership: As Viewed by Caroline.
This work, which contains a wide variety of previously untapped archival
material, will be the definitive source for Caroline Herschel's
biography for many years to come. In a separate volume Hoskin has also
edited the two autobiographies that Caroline wrote at different times of
her life.
His other recent books demonstrate his broad perspectives in the field.
They include The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy (1997), The
Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy (1999), and Tombs, Temples and
Orientations: A new perspective on Mediterranean Prehistory (2001). The
last volume, which summarizes many seasons of fieldwork around the
Mediterranean basin, is a significant and original contribution to
archaeoastronomy. Hoskin has long been renowned for both his scholarship
and the high standards he has maintained in editing and publishing. In
1970 he founded the Journal for the History of Astronomy and has since
served as its editor. The Journal, which is now in its 34th year, has
helped to define the field of historical astronmy and give it a central
focus. It was primarily for his lifetime work on JHA that he was honored
in 2001, when Minor Planet (12223) Hoskin was named after him.
Since 1969 Hoskin has been a Fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge.
When he learned that he was to be the fourth recipient of the Doggett
Prize, he wrote: "The Prize is indeed a very great honour, and although
it is the result of the initiative of the historians of a particular
country, it is as yet the only prize in our field and this award to a
non-American raises it to international status. I am very grateful to
you and your colleagues for this compliment which will provide a
highlight to my career."
His lecture will be preceded by the presentation to him of The LeRoy E.
Doggett Prize for Historical Astronomy.
[Source: http://www.aas.org/~had/announce.html]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
History of astronomy at the 203rd AAS Meeting
---------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 67,
27. November 2003, Item 3.)
On January 4-8, 2004, the 203rd Meeting of the American Astronomical
Society (AAS) will be held in Atlanta, GA, USA. The Historical Astronomy
Division (HAD) of the AAS organized the following sessions:
Sunday, January 4, 2004, 2:00-5:00pm
Session 1 HAD I: Transit of Venus
Chasing Venus: Putting the Transits of Venus on Exhibition
R.S. Brashear (Smithsonian Inst.)
Jeremiah Horrocks, The New Astronomy, And The Transit Of Venus
W. Applebaum (Illinois Institute of Technology)
The American Transit of Venus Expeditions of 1874 and 1882
S.J. Dick (NASA)
Explanation of the Black-Drop Effect at Transits of Mercury and the
Forthcoming Transit of Venus
J.M. Pasachoff (Williams College-Hopkins Obs.),
G. Schneider (Steward Obs., U. Az.), L. Golub (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)
David Peck Todd and the transit of 1882: A lover's triangle forms while an
astronomer triangulates the distance to the Sun
W.P. Sheehan (Independent Scholar)
E. E. Barnard and the New Star in the Andromeda Nebula
J. Bryan (McDonald Observatory)
Monday, January 5, 2004, 10:00-11:30am
Session 28 HAD II
Space Travel is Utter Bilge: Early Ideas on Interplanetary Exploration
D.K. Yeomans (JPL/Caltech)
The Maximum Duration of Astronomical Incomprehension
V.L. Trimble (University of Maryland, College Park)
Leslie Peltier, Amateur Astronomer and Observer Extraordinaire
B.G. Corbin (U.S. Naval Observatory)
The Forgotten History of the 4050 Angstrom Group of C3
B.J. McCall (UC Berkeley)
The Clyde W. Tombaugh Papers and the Rio Grande Historical Collections:
Preserving the History of Astronomy
M. Gottwald (New Mexico State University)
Challenges of Data Archives
R.E.M. Griffin (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory)
Monday, January 5, 2004, 11:40am-12:30pm
Session 29 Doggett Prize Lecture
The REAL Caroline Herschel
M.A. Hoskin (Fellow, Churchill College, Cambridge, UK)
Monday, January 5, 2004, 2:00-3:30pm
Session 35 HAD III
The Latitude and Epoch for the Origin of the Astronomical Lore of Eudoxus
B.E. Schaefer (Louisiana S. U.)
First Description of Discrete Stars Composing the Milky Way in
Thomas Watson's Hekatompathia (1582)
E.L. Altschuler (Mt. Sinai School of Medicine),
W. Jansen (Independent Scholar)
Galileo's Telescopy and Jupiter's Tablet
P.D. Usher (Penn State)
Lowell's Martian "Canals" in the Light of Modern CCD Imaging
C.M. Gaskell (Univ. Nebraska), T.A. Dobbins (ALPO)
What Happened to the Amateurs After Professionalization?
The Amateurization of Astronomy in Britain and the United States
T.R. Williams (Rice University)
Remeasuring the Alignment of the Nantucket Meridian Line
P.B. Boyce (Maria Mitchell Obs.),
A. Davis (SUNY at Plattsburgh and Maria Mitchell Obs.)
Satellite Imagery Measures of the Astronomically Aligned Megaliths at
Nabta Playa
T.G. Brophy (EMCS Consulting),
P.A. Rosen (California Institute of Technology)
Contact address for the 203rd AAS Meeting:
American Astronomical Society
2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009-1231, USA
phone 202-328-2010, fax 202-234-2560
e-mail aas@aas.org
More information on the AAS Meeting including abstracts of papers
is available at: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas203/
For information on HAD see: http://www.aas.org/~had/had.html
[Text compiled from information at http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas203/]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
Eddington Workshop
------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 67,
27. November 2003, Item 5.)
Arthur Stanley Eddington - Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
A workshop hosted by the Centre for Research in the Arts Social
Sciences & Humanities (CRASSH)
Cambridge UK, Wednesday 10th - Thursday 11th March 2004
This workshop brings together scholars from the history of science,
philosophy, literary studies and the history of art, as well as physics and
astronomy.
The aims are: to explore Arther S. Eddington's continuing significance for
these various disciplines, to gain a richer appreciation of his life and
work, and to explore ways of promoting effective interdisciplinary
discussion.
Papers will be circulated in advance and all participants are asked to read
these before the workshop. The emphasis will be on structured discussion,
and the contribution in discussion of those not supplying a formal paper
will form an equally significant component of the workshop.
Contributed papers from: Malcolm Longair, Steven French, Matt Stanley,
Gavin Parkinson, Michael Whitworth, Arthur Miller, Robert Smith, Ian
Durham, Alan Batten and Kate Price.
Participants with an interest in Eddington, from any discipline, including
graduate students, are welcome.
The deadline for registration is 20 January 2004. To get the most out of
the workshop format, places are limited to 40 people.
For further details and abstracts see the CRASSH webpage,
http://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/events2004/eddington.html
To find out more or to register your interest please contact the convener:
Dr Kate Price
Junior Research Fellow
Homerton College
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 2PH
UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 507189
Fax: +44 (0)1223 507120
e-mail: kep26@cam.ac.uk
[Text provided by William Vanderburgh on behalf of Kate Price.]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 55, Nov. 28, 2003
...........................................................................
New books
---------
(From: "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 19, Januar 2002, S. 4;
"Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 62,
7. September 2002, Item 5. Partial translation by Hilmar W. Duerbeck.)
Berichte der Kepler-Kommission, Heft 12 [Reports of the Kepler Commission,
issue 12. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften,
2001. 58 p., 21 x 29.5 cm
[Contents: Peter Michael Schenkel: A register for vol. 2 of the collected
works of Johannes Kepler; Volker Bialas: On Giordano Bruno's cosmology. -
only available through library book exchange.]
Biegel, Gerd; Oestmann, Guenther; Reich, Karin (eds.): Neue Welten :
Wilhelm Olbers und die Naturwissenschaften um 1800. [New worlds: Wilhelm
Olbers and the sciences around 1800. - In German]. Braunschweig, 2001. 272
p., 21.5 x 30 cm, many figs., ISBN 3-927939-60-9, hardbound, about Euro 15
(Disquisitiones Historiae Scientiarum ; 1)
[Accompanying book for an exhibition in Hamburg and Braunschweig
(cf. EMA No. 58, September 7, 2001, Item 2); distributed by
Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum, Burgplatz 1, 38100 Braunschweig,
Tel.: 49+531-484-2602, Fax: -484-2607, e-mail: blm@blm.bs.shuttle.de.]
Clavius, Christoph: In Sphaeram Ioannis de Sacro Bosco Commentarius.
Reprint of the edition Mainz, 1611. Eberhard Knobloch (ed.). Hildesheim and
others: Olms-Weidmann, 1999. IX, [9], 350 p., figs., 35 cm,
ISBN 3-487-10277-3, cloth ca. Euro 178.00 (Historia scientiarum)
Droessler, Rudolf: Astronomie in Stein. Archaeologen und Astronomen
entraetseln alte Bauwerke und Kultstaetten. [Astronomy in stone.
Archeologists and astronomers decipher old monuments and worship places. -
In German]. [2nd ed.] Wiesbaden: Panorama-Verlag, 2001. 260 p., 139 figs.,
15 x 20.5 cm, ISBN 3-926642-25-4, paperback Euro 8.95
Folkerts, Menso; Kirschner, Stefan; Schmidt-Kaler, Theodor (eds.):
Florilegium Astronomicum. Festschrift fuer Felix Schmeidler.
[Florilegium Astronomicum. A festschrift for Felix Schmeidler. - In
German]. Muenchen: Inst. f. Geschichte d. Naturwissenschaften, 2001.
X, 323 p., 16.5 x 14 cm, figs., ISBN 3-89241-038-0, paperback Euro 15.20
(Algorismus ; 37)
[With contributions by Th. Schmidt-Kaler, P.Brosche, W.Kokott, M.Folkerts,
E.H.Geyer, K.Reich, G.Wolfschmidt etc. on the history of astronomy].
Folkerts, Menso; Knobloch, Eberhard; Reich, Karin (eds.): Mass, Zahl und
Gewicht : Mathematik als Schluessel zu Weltverstaendnis und
Weltbeherrschung. [Measure, number and weight: mathematics as a key to
world understanding and world control. - In German].
[Exhibition in the Zeughaus, 1989 July 15 to September 24;
exhibition in the Bibliotheca Augusta, 2001 July 28 to October 28.]
2nd, revised and expanded edition, Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz, 2001. IX,
434 p., 228 figs., 17 x 24 cm, ISBN 3-447-04472-1, hardbound Euro 40.39
(Ausstellungskataloge der Herzog-August-Bibliothek ; 60)
[With a chapter on astronomy by Karin Reich and additional sections
which are relevant to astronomy].
Helfricht, Juergen: Astronomiegeschichte Dresdens. [The history of
astronomy in Dresden. - In German]. Dresden: Hellerau-Verlag, 2001. 138 p.,
46 figs., 12 x 19 cm, ISBN 3-910184-76-6, paperback Euro 8.60
(Dresdner Miniaturen ; 9)
Herrmann, Dieter B.: Antimaterie. Auf der Suche nach der Gegenwelt.
[Anti-matter. In search of the anti-world. - In German]. Muenchen: Verlag
C.H.Beck, 1999. 112 p., 20 figs., ISBN 3-406-44504-7, paperback,
Euro 7.50 (C. H. Beck Wissen in der Beck'schen Reihe ; 2104)
[expanded and revised new edition of "Antimaterie im Weltall?"
(1992). The book also deals with the historical development of the
topic with respect to physics and astronomy.]
Oestmann, Guenther: Die astronomische Uhr des Strassburger Muensters.
Funktion und Bedeutung eines Kosmos-Modells des 16. Jahrhunderts.
[The astronomical clock of the Strasbourg Muenster. Function and
significance of a model of the cosmos from the 16th century. - In
German]. 2nd ed. Berlin, Diepholz: Verlag fuer Geschichte der
Naturwissenschaften und der Technik, 2000. 334 p., many figs.,
21 x 14.7 cm, ISBN 3-928186-52-3, paperback Euro 47.50
Schroeder, Wilfried (Hrsg.): Historical case studies in physics and
geophysics. Bremen-Roennebeck 2001. 201 p., ill., 21 cm, pbk., ca. Euro
13.00 (Beitraege zur Geschichte der Geophysik und kosmischen Physik ; 2,1)
[with contributions on the history of astronomy.]
Schroeder, Wilfried: Vom Wunderzeichen zum Naturobjekt (Fallstudie zum
Polarlicht vom 17. Maerz 1716) = Changes in the interpretation of the
aurora on March 17, 1716. Bremen-Roennebeck 2001. 100 p., ill., pbk.
(Beitraege zur Geschichte der Geophysik und kosmischen Physik ; 2,2)
Schroeder, Wilfried (Hrsg.): Ueber den Aether in der Physik : (Bemerkungen
zur Diskussion zwischen Albert Einstein, Gustav Mie und Emil Wiechert) =
Ether in physics. Bremen-Roennebeck 2001. 235 p., ill., 21 cm, pbk.
(Beitraege zur Geschichte der Geophysik und kosmischen Physik ; 3)
Schroeder, Wilfried (Hrsg.): Wege zur Wissenschaft : Gelehrte erzaehlen aus
ihrem Leben = Pathways to science. Bremen-Roennebeck 2001. 283 p., ill.,
21 cm, pbk.
(Beitraege zur Geschichte der Geophysik und kosmischen Physik ; 4)
[Distribution of all books of this author, and of the books by
H.-J. Treder (see below): Dr. W. Schroeder, Hechelstr. 8, D-28777
Bremen-Roennebeck, Germany]
Segre, Michael; Knobloch, Eberhard (eds.): Der ungebaendigte Galilei.
Beitraege zu einem Symposion. [Galilei unbound. Contributions to a
symposium. - In German]. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 2001. 128
p., 5 figs., 24 cm, ISBN 3-515-07208-X, paperback Euro 29.00
(Sudhoffs Archiv : Beihefte ; 44)
[Essays on Galilei and related topics, also on the history of astronomy.]
Sterken, Christiaan; Hearnshaw, John B. (Eds.): 100 years of observational
astronomy and astrophysics. Homage to Miklos Konkoly Thege (1842-1916).
Brussel: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, [2001]. xii, 268 p., 15.5 x 24 cm,
ISBN 90-805538-3-2, paperback. Euro 25.00 incl. postage.
[With contributions by L. Balasz, M. Vargha, G. Wolfschmidt, C. Sterken, E.
Zsoldos, L. Patkos, J. Caplan, J. Hearnshaw, K. Staubermann, A. Schnell,
H. Duerbeck/W. Seitter, P. Brosche and others.
Distribution: Dr. H. Duerbeck, Postfach 1268, 54543 Daun, Germany,
e-mail hilmar@uni-muenster.de]
Treder, Hans-Juergen: The Einstein-centenary of physics : the first
quarter; collected papers by Hans-Juergen Treder. Wilfried Schroeder (Ed.).
Bremen-Roennebeck 2001. 56 p., paperback (Beitraege zur Geschichte der
Geophysik und kosmischen Physik ; 5)
Zenkert, Arnold: Faszination Sonnenuhr. [The fascination of sundials. - In
German]. 3rd revised edition, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag Harri Deutsch,
2000. 164 p., 55 photographs, 80 drawings, ISBN 3-8171-1579-2, paperback
Euro 29.80. With CD-ROM.
[Also deals with the history of sundials.]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For directly sending us information we thank Volker Bialas, Guenther
Oestmann, Kate Price, Karin Reich, Theodor Schmidt-Kaler, Wilfried
Schroeder, Klaus Staubermann, Christiaan Sterken, William Vanderburgh.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar
W. Duerbeck
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Archives: Previous issues of ENHA are to be found at
http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ .
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astrohist.org/
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org
Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 310 330 402, Volksbank Coesfeld-Duelmen (BLZ 401 631 23)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank
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Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 56
*************************************************************************** * * * ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY * * * * Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy * * in the Astronomische Gesellschaft * * * * Number 56, January 23, 2004 * * * * Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck * * * *************************************************************************** Contents -------- 1. European Society for the History of Science 2. Abraham Pais Award for the History of Physics 3. Conference in Prague: Science in contact 4. Solar Eclipse Conference 5. Symposium in Budapest: The European Scientist 6. Job Announcement: Curatorial Post at Greenwich 7. Books in print Acknowledgements Imprint ........................................................................... Item 1 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... European Society for the History of Science ------------------------------------------- European societies or federations exist in a number of disciplines. Such bodies reflect a growing awareness of the benefits that international collaboration within Europe can bring. The benefits have been fully recognized within the International Council of Scientific Unions, and for some time now one of ICSU's priorities has been to further the coordination of scholarly and scientific activity on the European scale. Despite recent progress, some fields still lack a European organization. The history of science is one of these. A recommendation in favour of the establishment of a European society was advanced by the European Union in 1998, and now, five years on, that recommendation has been implemented. Following some months of discussion, the European Society for the History of Science was founded in October 2003 at a meeting in Paris attended by representatives from nine countries. At the founding General Assembly, held on 12 October 2003 in Sorbonne, in the premises of the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, IVe section, the following officers were elected: Robert Fox (Oxford) President Eberhard Knobloch (Berlin) Vice-president and President-elect Claude Debru (Paris) Vice-president Erwin Neuenschwander (Zurich) Treasurer Stephanie Dupouy (Paris) Secretary The society is planning a number of initiatives aimed at promoting contacts between scholars across Europe and advancing the interests of the history of science in education. Its website is being developed as a means of coordinating and publicizing activities on the European scale. Another core initiative will be the holding of regular European congresses. The first of these, organized in association with the Dutch national society Gewina and the University of Maastricht, will take place in Maastricht from 4 to 6 November 2004. The Membership of the society will be open both to individuals and to societies and other institutions with appropriate aims. Arrangements for the collection of the annual subscription, currently fixed at 20 euros for individual members, 100 euros for institutional members, and a minimum of 200 euros for supporting members, will be announced in the society's first newsletter, to be published shortly in electronic form. For further information about the society, please contact the secretary, Stephanie Dupouy, Departement de Philosophie, Ecole normale superieure, 45 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France (email: stephanie.dupouy@ens.fr). [Source: Stephanie Dupouy to Rete mailing list, 13 Jan 2004] ........................................................................... Item 2 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Abraham Pais Award for the History of Physics --------------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 70, 22. Januar 2004, Item 2.) The American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics have established a major new award, the Abraham Pais Award for the History of Physics, which will recognize outstanding scholarly achievements in the history of physics. A renowned theoretical particle physicist and historian of physics, Pais died in July 2000. Among historians, he is best known for his book Subtle is the Lord: The Science and the Life of Albert Einstein, which won the 1983 American Book Award in Science. The award will be given annually and consists of $5000, a certificate citing the recipient's contributions to the history of physics, and funds to travel to an APS meeting to receive the award and deliver an invited talk on the history of physics. The award is the first to be established specifically for the history of physics. The first selection committee will be chaired by Roger H. Stuewer (University of Minnesota) and other members are Allan D. Franklin (University of Colorado), Lillian Hoddeson (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign), Anne J. Kox (University of Amsterdam), and Spencer R. Weart (AIP). The first award will be conferred in 2005. Nominations are due by May 1, 2004, and should be sent to Stuewer. For further information, see the website of the APS Forum on History of Physics http://www.aps.org/units/fhp/pais/index.html . The Pais Award will usually be given to a single person but in any case to no more than three individuals and is open to scholars of all nationalities. For the past two years, an award establishment committee has been working on the concept and then the fundraising. The initial goal of $100,000 to establish an endowment has been reached. A major contribution came from John and Elizabeth Armstrong, who gave $30,000 outright and provided another $30,000 in matching funds to challenge other donors. Fundraising to cover travel expenses and to raise the amount of the award is continuing, according to Benjamin Bederson (New York University), who chairs the award establishment committee. Other members are Stephen G. Brush (University of Maryland), Gloria B. Lubkin (AIP), Harry Lustig (APS treasurer emeritus), Michael Riordan (Stanford University and University of California, Santa Cruz), Stuewer, and Weart. [Source: George Gale to HASTRO-L, the History of Astronomy Discussion Group, 11 Dec 2003, forwarding a message from H-NET, the List on the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, 11 Dec 2003. Original message by Spencer Weart, 10 Dec 2003.] ........................................................................... Item 3 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Conference in Prague: Science in contact ---------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 70, 22. Januar 2004, Item 3.) Science in contact at the beginning of the scientific revolution Prague, Czech Rep., June 23 - 27, 2004 First Announcement The conference will be hosted by National Technical Museum in Prague. The EU Commission has decided, in accordance with the EU programme for cultural support - Cultura 2000 - to grant a three-year network support to the institutions responsible for the care and maintenance of the legacy left by the astronomers and scientists who founded our modern world view. The scientists in question are Nicolaus Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. The network, which is co-ordinated by Landskrona Cultural Department (Sweden), shall be operative during 2002-2004, and will focus on interpreting and enlivening how the knowledge of our modern worldview evolved as a result of scientific co-operation within Europe. The top of the scientific part of the project should be a conference "Science in contact at the beginning of the scientific revolution". Location and meeting schedule Preliminary time schedule of the conference: June 23, 2004, 5-8 pm: Arrival of participants, registration (at the NTM) June 24, 2004 and June 25, 2004: Sessions June 26, 2004: Sights of historical and astronomical interest in Prague The current plan is to hold the scientific part of the conference from Thursday, June 24 morning till Friday evening for the sessions; for Saturday June 26 a trip/excursion is proposed. Accommodation will be soon proposed to the participants on the NTM web page. Alternatively, a wide choice of hotels around and inside Prague is available. Scientific programme and call for contribution The themes for the conference shall be as following: Ways of circulating scientific results of fundamental importance in Europe. Creation of research centres (Hven, Kassel, Prague, Florence, Cambridge etc). Travels of scientists and their ideas. Acceptance, rejection or proof of ideas and speculations of the period up to commencement of scientific research. Instruments used in this and their development and influence on scientific knowledge. Precision of observation and discovery and formulation of natural laws. Some of the leading figures of this stage: Copernicus, Galileo, Brahe, Kepler, Newton and people around them. Merits of free movement of scholars. Science and technology - ideas circulating very rapidly internationally. We plan on organizing sessions about above mentioned topic and panel discussion. Additional poster presentations will be accepted, on all the various topics concerning the matters. A special proceedings book will be published by the NTM. Working languages of the Conference will be English and German. The correspondence can be performed in both English and German. All forms, abstracts to presentations, texts to invited papers and extended theses should be presented in English or/and German. Deadlines: Submission of Abstracts 1st February, 2004 Notification of Acceptance 1st March, 2004 Issue of Preliminary Programme on the Web site 1st April, 2004 Submission of Full Paper during the conference Publication of Workshop Proceedings August 2004 Registration fee: A registration fee of EUR 50 will be asked. Participants are expected to finance their own travel and accommodation expenses. Local Organizing Committee: Jaroslav Folta, chairman (jaroslav.folta@ntm.cz) Antonin Svejda, scientific programme supervisor (antonin.svejda@ntm.cz) Jitka Zamrzlova, conference manager (jitka.zamrzlova@ntm.cz) Jana Nekvasilova, conference manager (jana.nekvasilova@ntm.cz) Please contact us if you wish to register and/or you are interested in our forthcoming announcements. Our web site will have regular updates on the Conference Programme. [Source: First Announcement distributed by the LOC, fowarded to us by Juergen Hamel] ........................................................................... Item 4 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Solar Eclipse Conference ------------------------ (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 68, 10. Dezember 2003, Item 6.) The next international Solar Eclipse Conference 2004 (SEC2004) will be held on 2004 August 20-22 at Open University, Milton Keynes, England. The main objective of the conference is to bring together professionals and amateurs to discuss all aspects of solar eclipses. Two days of lectures will be given in each of the following disciplines: predictions, mathematics, solar physics, weather forecasting, eye safety, diameter measuring, edge and central, and ancient eclipse research. Both past and future solar eclipses will be discussed, as well as the 2004 transit of Venus. The Open University has its headquarters at Walton Hall, in Milton Keynes which is midway between London and Birmingham, and Oxford and Cambridge. It is necessary to make prior arrangements if you wish to attend SEC2004 or to make a presentation, lecture, or poster display. Please contact Patrick Poitevin (solareclipsewebpages@btopenworld.com). The programme will include also several lectures on historic topics: Leo Dubal (France): "Questioning Ancient Eclipse Records" Pierre Guillermier (France): "Eclipse Paintings in the XVIth and XVIIth centuries: The Pieter Paul Rubens' Christ on the Cross and the Antoine Caron's Dionysius the Areopagite" Peter Hingley (UK): "Picturing Eclipses, 1478 - 2000" Eli Maor (USA): "Jeremiah Horrocks and the 1639 Transit of Venus" Eckehard Schmidt (Germany): "Nuremberg - its history of solar eclipses" F. Richard Stephenson (UK): "Historical eclipses: then and now" Robert van Gent (The Netherlands): "Eclipse Cycles" More information is available at the conference's web site: http://solareclipsewebpages.users.btopenworld.com/SEC_files/SEC2004.html [Source: conference's web site, see above] ........................................................................... Item 5 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Symposium in Budapest: The European Scientist --------------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 70, 22. Januar 2004, Item 1.) The European Scientist Symposium on the era and work of Franz Xaver von Zach (1754-1832) Budapest 15-17 September 2004 First Announcement Purpose This symposium celebrates the era and work of Franz Xaver von Zach on the 250th anniversary of his birth. The meeting will bring together international experts in the history of science to present papers on the following topics. Topics covered Biographical aspects Scientific periodicals Meetings of scientists Enlightenment, freemasonry and religious orders Interaction with politics The role of "managers of science" Gauss and the Hungarian science The evolution of star catalogues Minor planets and celestial mechanics Astrogeodetic instruments Local and global geodesy and navigation Civil and military cartography Geography and geophysics Dates Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, 2004. The symposium precedes the autumn meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, held in Prague at Sept. 20-25, 2004. Venue The meeting will take place in the main building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, Hungary. Accomodation In medium category hotels, next to the building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, cost per night: 65 Euro in a single and 85 Euro in a double room (including breakfast). Participation Participation is open for everybody who is interested in this subject. Registration Interested participants are invited to register with the enclosed registration form. There is no registration fee. Accompanying persons are welcome. Proceedings We intend to publish proceedings of the symposium. Scientific Organizing Committee: Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn, chairman) Jim Caplan (Marseille) Anita McConnell (London) Gudrun Wolfschmidt (Hamburg) Local Organizing Committee (Budapest): Bela Balazs Lajos G. Balazs (chairman) Laszlo Patkos Magda Vargha Endre Zsoldos REGISTRATION FORM The era and work of Franz Xaver von Zach Budapest 15-17 September Family name: First name: Postal address: Fax: E-mail address: Number of accompanying persons: I would like to present a paper Title Authors Intended duration of talk: Abstract: Accommodation: please indicate your choice: I prefer single occupancy I wish to share a double room with: Return to: Prof. L. G. Balazs, Konkoly Observatory, P. O. Box 67, H-1525 Budapest, Hungary. Fax: (36)(1)275-4668 e-mail: balazs@konkoly.hu ........................................................................... Item 6 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Job Announcement: Curatorial Post at Greenwich ---------------------------------------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 70, 22. Januar 2004, Item 5.) CURATOR - HISTORY OF TIMEKEEPING GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000 + benefits * Greenwich Recognised throughout the world for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach, the National Maritime Museum aims to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. The Royal Observatory at Greenwich forms part of NMM and is the international home of time. We are looking for an exceptional individual to champion the study of the history of timekeeping and actively research our relevant collections within the broader disciplines of the history of science and maritime history. These are exciting times to be joining our team: we are about to embark on a GBP 15 million project: Time & Space which will include a state-of-the-art astronomy centre and new displays that explore mankind's quest to understand time and the universe. This new post will be central to these developments, as you will communicate the excitement and relevance of the history of timekeeping to a diverse range of people, from schoolchildren to academics. Encompassing research, education and web-based interpretation work, this expansive brief will see you work with the Senior Curator of Horology and the Exhibitions team to develop new galleries and displays, promote the collections to a wide audience and publish work within the academic context that interprets the significance of the collections. We are looking for an exceptional candidate with a proven track record within the history of science field who can place our scientific and technological collections into a broader historical and maritime history context. You will have a postgraduate qualification or experience in a relevant subject area, an active research profile and published work. We are not necessarily looking for an horologist, but you must have the ability to develop the necessary practical-based skills to analyse this material for research purposes. Above all, we are looking for a genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and collections, together with excellent communication and team-working skills. Apply now by sending your CV and covering letter, quoting reference R/CHT, to: Human Resources, National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, or by email to recruitment@nmm.ac.uk We regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. If you do not hear from us within three weeks, please assume you have not been shortlisted. Closing date for the receipt of applications: 2 February 2004. The Museum upholds equal opportunities for all staff and has a no smoking policy. For a full job description please visit our website www.nmm.ac.uk . [Source: Gloria Clifton to Rete Mailing List, 16 Jan 2004] ........................................................................... Item 7 ENHA No. 56, Jan. 23, 2004 ........................................................................... Books in print -------------- (From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 58, 7. September 2001, Item 6. Originally from: "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 18, Juli 2001, S. 6) The compilation lists books in print written by members of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy, published before 1992 and therefore not yet listed in the WG's newsletters. Additions are welcome. Bialas, Volker: Die Rudolphinischen Tafeln von Johannes Kepler. Mathematische und astronomische Grundlagen. [The Rudolphine Tables of Johannes Kepler. Mathematical and astronomical foundations. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1969. 137 p., 36 figs., 2 facs., ISBN 3-7696-2529-3, paperback 28.00 DM (Nova Kepleriana, Neue Folge; H. 2. - Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF; 139) Bialas, Volker: Eine doppelte Iterationsrechnung von Johannes Kepler und ihre Programmierung zu seiner Berechnung der scheinbaren Planetenbahn. [A double iteration calculus by Johannes Kepler and its programming, concerning his calculation of the apparent orbit of a planet. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1970. 30 p., 9 figs., ISBN 3-7696-2533-1, paperback 7.00 DM (Nova Kepleriana, Neue Folge; H. 3. - Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF; 143) Bialas, Volker: Die Berechnung der Jupiterbahn nach Kepler. [The calculation of Jupiter's orbit according to Kepler. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1970. 200 p., 15 figs. and facs., ISBN 3-7696-2538-2, paperback 26.00 DM (Nova Kepleriana, Neue Folge, Jovialia; H. 4. - Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF; 148) Bialas, Volker; Papadimitriu, Elli: Materialien zu den Ephemeriden von Johannes Kepler. [Materials concerning the ephemerides of Johannes Kepler. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1980. 218 p., ISBN 3-7696-2549-8, paperback 58.00 DM (Nova Kepleriana, Neue Folge; H. 7. - Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF; 159) Bialas, Volker: Erdgestalt, Kosmologie und Weltanschauung. Die Geschichte der Geodaesie als Teil der Kulturgeschichte der Menschheit. [The Earth's shape, cosmology, and world outlook. The history of geodesy as part of the cultural history of mankind. - In German]. Stuttgart: Verlag Konrad Wittwer, 1982. VI, 365 p., 73 figs., 17 tables, ISBN 3-87919-133-6, hardbound 46.94 DM (Vermessungswesen bei Konrad Wittwer; 9) Bialas, Volker: Die Kepler-Edition. Gegenwaertiger Stand und editorische Probleme. [The edition of Kepler's works. Actual status and editorial problems. - In German] Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1985. 11 p., ISBN 3-7696-4713-0, paperback 6.00 DM (Sitzungsber. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturwiss.; 1985/2) Bialas, Volker: Astronomie und Glaubensvorstellungen in der Megalithkultur. Zur Kritik der Archaeoastronomie. [Astronomy and concepts of faith in megalithic civilisation. On the critics of archaeoastronomy. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1988. 98 p., 27 figs., ISBN 3-7696-2556-0, paperback 50.00 DM (Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF 166) Hamel, Juergen: Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel. [In German]. Leipzig: Teubner. 1984. 98 p., 15 figs., ISBN 3-322-00632-8, paperback 14.80 DM (Biogr. hervorragender Naturwissenschaftler, Techniker und Mediziner; 67) Hamel, Juergen: Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel. [In German]. Leipzig: Teubner. 1988. 104 p., 18 figs., ISBN 3-322-00482-1, paperback 14.80 DM (Biogr. hervorragender Naturwissenschaftler, Techniker und Mediziner; 89) Herrmann, Dieter B.: Geschichte der modernen Astronomie. [History of modern astronomy. - In German]. Koeln: Aulis-Verlag Deubner, 1988. 208 p., 22 x 19,5 cm, ISBN 3-7614-1002-6, hardbound 19.80 DM Herrmann, Dieter B.: Kosmische Weiten. Kurze Geschichte der Entfernungsmessung im Weltall. [Cosmic distances. A short history of distance measurement in space. - In German]. 3rd revised and expanded edition. Leipzig: Barth, 1989. 94 p., 38 figs., 14 tables, 24,5 x cm, ISBN 3-335-00103-6, cloth 10.00 DM (Wiss. Schriften z. Astron.) List, Martha; Bialas, Volker: Die Coss von Jost Buergi in der Redaktion von Johannes Kepler. Ein Beitrag zur fruehen Algebra. [The Coss of Jost Buergi, as edited by Johannes Kepler. A contribution to early algebra. - In German]. Muenchen: Bayerische Akad. d. Wiss., 1973. 128 p., 2 facs. on glossy paper, ISBN 3-7696-2544-7, paperback 30.00 DM (Nova Kepleriana, Neue Folge; H. 5. - Abh. d. Bayer. Akad. d. Wiss. Math.-Naturw. NF; 154) ........................................................................... Acknowledgements ---------------- For directly sending us information we thank Peter Brosche and Juergen Hamel. ........................................................................... Imprint ------- Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA) Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the Astronomische Gesellschaft Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar W. Duerbeck All items without an author's name are editorial contributions. Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated. Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for occasional voluntary donations to the working group. Copyright Statement: The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed. Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media is possible only with the editor's permission. Archives: Previous issues of ENHA are to be found at http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ . Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of Astronomy: URL: http://www.astrohist.org/ Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany, Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140 Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft: Acct # 310 330 402, Volksbank Coesfeld-Duelmen (BLZ 401 631 23) Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20 Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte" ***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 57
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* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 57, May 23, 2004 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
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Contents
--------
1. ICHA Newsletters
2. SIC Transits of Venus website
3. Symposium: Venus voor de Zon
4. Festival of the Transit of Venus
5. "Chasing Venus" exhibition and lecture series at the Smithsonian
6. The New Astronomy - A Meeting to Honor Woody Sullivan on his
60th Birthday
7. "The Scientific Instrument Collections in the University"
Conference (SICU)
8. VITRUM - exhibition on ancient glass and science
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
ICHA Newsletters
----------------
The Newsletters of the Inter-Union Commission for History of Astronomy
(ICHA) are now available online in PDF format at
http://www.astrohist.org/iaucomm41/news/ .
The latest issue is No. 6, April 2004.
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to send hardcopies of the
newsletters to ICHA members.
Contents of No. 6, April 2004:
A. Sydney and Beyond, by C. L. N. Ruggles
B. Minutes of the General Business Meeting held in Sydney 2003
by S. Dick
C. Minutes of the Meeting of the Organising Committee of C41/ICHA
by C. L. N. Ruggles
D. Status of the Inter-Union Commission for History of Astronomy (ICHA)
E. Information: The acceptance of new members into IAU at Sydney
by A. Gurshtein
F. Memorandum: Concerning the Acceptance of New Members into the
Inter-Union Commission on History of Astronomy (ICHA)
by A. Gurshtein and F. R. Stephenson
G. Procedures for Admitting non-IAU Members to the ICHA
H. History Programme at Sydney
I. General Information about the Working Groups
J. The IAU Historical Instruments Working Group; 1: Progress Report 2003-04
K. The IAU Astronomical Archives Working Group; 2: Progress Report
L. The IAU Transits Of Venus Working Group; 3: Progress Report
M. The IAU Historic Radio Astronomy Working Group; 1: Progress Report
N. The Struve Geodetic Arc (Press Release)
by J. R. Smith
O. Earth Dial - a new project: Mars landers create opportunity for
Web-linked sundials around the world (Press Release)
by W. T. Sullivan
P. Journals and Publications:
- Archaeoastronomy. The Journal of Astronomy in Culture, by C. McCluskey
- Rittenhouse (Astronomical Papers), by R. Brooks
- Contributions on history of geophysics and cosmical physics
- Books 2000/2003
- Some research papers by C41/ICHA members - 2001/2003
Q. News:
- A new book: Astronomical instruments and archives from the
Asia-Pacific region, by D. A. King
- Astronomy in the Baghdad of the Caliphs, by D. A. King
- Doggett Prize, by R. Brashear
- The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window and
Expanding our View of Planet Earth, by W. Orchiston
- Scientific Instrument Collections in the University
by F. Manasek, R. Kremer, D. Pantalony, S. Schechner
- The European Scientist - Symposium on the era and work of
Franz Xaver von Zach (1754 - 1832)
- The Fifth International Conference on Oriental Astronomy
by K.-Y. Chen
- European Society for the History of Science, by S. Dupouy
- Sharing the celestial sphere: A conference under the joint auspices
of IAU and IUHPS/DHS, by R. Kochhar
- History of Astronomy Displays and Exhibitions
Chasing Venus : Observing the Transits of Venus, 1631-2004
- Obituaries:
Simeon Ya. Braude, by G. Tsarevsky
Bernard Cohen, by E. Mendelsohn and G. Smith
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
SIC Transits of Venus website
-----------------------------
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new website on the Transits of
Venus at http://transits.mhs.ox.ac.uk.
The core of the site is a browsable database of historical instruments and
images from collections around the world. Institutions and individuals are
invited to develop the site by contributing their own material.
Currently the site displays material from:
- Museo della Specola, Universita di Bologna
- Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University
- Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford
- National Museum of American History, Washington
- Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon, Dresden
- UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
To take part in this international collaboration, visit the Contributors
section of the site. Material is submitted directly online for instant
access on the web.
The site is an initiative of the Scientific Instrument Commission of the
International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science. It was
developed at the University of Oxford and is hosted by the Museum of the
History of Science.
Stephen Johnston
Sara Schechner
Steven Turner
[Source: Stephen Johnston to HASTRO-L, the History of Astronomy Dicussion
Group, 10 May 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
Symposium: Venus voor de Zon
----------------------------
On the eve of the first transit of Venus in front of the Sun since 121 1/2
years, the University of Utrecht organizes an afternoon Symposium about the
background of these special astronomical events and their role in the
history of science.
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2004
Place: Museum Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh (Utrecht)
Audience: interested public, students, science journalists
Programme:
12:30-13:00 Introduction, coffee and tea
13:00-13:30 Robert Wielinga: Wat is een Venusovergang
13:30-14:00 Albert van Helden: The Venus Transits of 1761 and 1769
14:00-14:30 Rob van Gent: Waarnemingen van de Venusovergangen van 1761
& 1769 in Batavia (Nederlands Indie)
14:30-15:00 Jessica Ratcliff: Astronomical Photography and the 1874
Transit of Venus
15:00-15:30 Break (coffee and tea)
15:30-16:00 Klaus Staubermann & Rob van Gent: Rondleiding bij de
Venusovergang tentoonstelling in Museum Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh
16:00-16:30 Hilmar Duerbeck: The German Transit of Venus Expeditions
of 1874 and 1882
16:30-17:00 Frans Snik: Van 'Black Drop' naar 'Bright Points':
Waarnemingen van de Venusovergang met de Dutch Open Telescope op La Palma
17:00-18:00 Closing
Abstracts of the papers are available at
http://www.venusvoordezon.nl/symposium/ .
Participants of the symposium are kindly requested to register at the
Museum Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh (tel. 030-2302818) or by informing
info@sonnenborgh.nl .
Organizers:
Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht (http://www.museum.uu.nl/)
Museum Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh (http://www.sonnenborgh.nl/)
Instituut voor de Geschiedenis en Grondslagen van de Wiskunde en de
Natuurwetenschappen (http://www.phys.uu.nl/~wwwgrnsl/)
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
Festival of the Transit of Venus
--------------------------------
The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University
invites you to join us for a
Festival of the Transit of Venus
8 June 2004
5:00 am - 7:30 am
Science Center, Harvard University
1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA
Observe this rare Astronomical Spectacle!
Celebrate its History!
Enjoy live Transit of Venus Music!
No one alive has seen a Transit of Venus, but on June 8th you will have
this rare opportunity!
Transits of Venus are rare astronomical alignments in which the planet
Venus crosses the face of the Sun as seen from Earth. They occur in pairs
(8 years apart) separated at intervals of 105.5 or 121.5 years. In 1639
Jeremiah Horrocks and his friend William Crabtree were the first and only
witnesses of a transit of Venus. Before the next transits in 1761 and 1769,
astronomical expeditions were sent around the globe in order to observe the
event from far flung places and share their results. Their goal was nothing
less than determining the dimensions of the solar system, one of the great
unsolved problems of astronomy of the time. The transits of Venus also
caused a great stir among the public. Crowds watched them through smoked
glasses in city streets and sang drinking songs about them in taverns. The
next pair of transits--in 1874 and 1882--also caused great excitement.
In 1761 the only observers in North America were Harvard's own John
Winthrop, the Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy and
his two students. Because the event could not be seen from Cambridge, they
sailed to St. John's, Newfoundland, taking college apparatus behind enemy
lines during the French and Indian War in the name of international
collaboration in science.
After a failed attempt to put together an expedition to Lake Superior in
1769, John Winthrop observed the next transit of Venus from Harvard Yard in
Cambridge. He used new instruments acquired in London with the help of
Benjamin Franklin and had to overcome obstacles arising from the rebellious
political acts of Samuel Adams and others with whom he sympathized. The
Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments has all the
instruments used by Winthrop in 1769, and some from 1761 as well.
Now its your turn! Come relive the excitement of the 1760s and make history
on June 8, 2004. Join us between 5:00 am and 7:30 am for these activities:
Astronomy!
5:09 am--sunrise with Transit of Venus in progress
Observe Venus on the Sun with modern telescopes and safe solar filters
Re-enact John Winthrop's observations in 1769 with his instruments!
View observations of the transit in Africa, Europe, and around the globe
via live webcasts
7:06 am--Venus contacts the inner edge of the sun's disk
7:26 am--Venus leaves Sun
History!
Visit the CHSI museum galleries to see apparatus selected by Benjamin
Franklin for Winthrop's observations.
Learn about pre-Revolutionary politics and its impact on Harvard's
expeditions to observe the Transit in 1761 and 1769, with curator Sara
Schechner.
Transit of Venus Music!
Live performances of John Philip Sousa's "Transit of Venus March" by the
Harvard Band and "The Venus Waltz" for banjo by John Huth, chairman of the
Physics Department
Food!
Continental breakfast
For further information, please contact Sara Schechner at
schechn@fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-2779.
[Source: Sara Schechner to HASTRO-L and Rete discussion groups,
21 May 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
"Chasing Venus" exhibition and lecture series at the Smithsonian
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Smithsonian Institution Libraries is pleased to announce the opening of
its current exhibition, "Chasing Venus: Observing the Transits of Venus,
1631-2004", at the Libraries' Exhibition Gallery located in the National
Museum of American History, 14th & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington D.C.
"Chasing Venus" will tell the story of the transits of Venus using the
marvelous illustrations in the rich collection of rare books from the
Smithsonian Libraries, supplemented by appropriate artifacts from the
National Museum of American History and the United States Naval
Observatory.
A series of five (5) noontime public lectures is scheduled to commence
on April 8.
Ronald Brashear
Curator, "Chasing Venus: Observing the Transits of Venus, 1631-2004"
Head, Special Collections and Dibner Library,
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Chasing Venus Lecture Series
Lectures start at 12:00 noon -- FREE and open to the public
Leonard Carmichael Auditorium
National Museum of American History, Behring Center
Presented in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Libraries
exhibition "Chasing Venus: Observing the Transits of Venus, 1631-2004"
March 24, 2004 - April 3, 2005 For more information go to:
www.sil.si.edu/exhibitions/chasing-venus
Lecture Series funding provided by NASA Office of Space Science
Thursday, April 8, 2004
"The First Observation of a Transit of Venus: Jeremiah Horrocks and the New
Astronomy"
Wilbur Applebaum, Professor Emeritus, Humanities Dept., Illinois
Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
Thursday, April 22, 2004
"Endeavour's Wake: Captain Cook and the Transit of Venus"
Richard Fisher, Director, Sun-Earth Connection Division, NASA Office of
Space Science, Washington, D.C.
Thursday, May 6, 2004
"Transits of Venus and the American Expeditions of 1874 and 1882"
Steven J. Dick, NASA Chief Historian, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Washington, D.C.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
"Transits of Mercury and Venus and the Solution of the Black-Drop Mystery"
Jay M. Pasachoff, Director of Hopkins Observatory and Field Memorial
Professor of Astronomy, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
Thursday, June 3, 2004
"Public Reaction to the Transit of Venus, 1882"
David DeVorkin, Curator of History of Astronomy, National Air and
Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
[Source: Ronald Brashear to HASTRO-L, 1 April 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
The New Astronomy - A Meeting to Honor Woody Sullivan on his 60th Birthday
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proudly announcing "The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window
and Expanding our View of Planet Earth", a meeting to honor Woody Sullivan
on his 60th birthday
Date: Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 June, 2004.
Venue: University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Web Site: http://faculty.washington.edu/bhevly
LOC: Bruce Hevly, Karl Hufbauer (Co-Chairs), Bruce Balick and Jim Evans.
SOC: Wayne Orchiston (Chair), John Baross, Ron Bracewell, David DeVorkin,
Steve Dick, Ken Kellermann, Robert Smith, Richard Strom and
Virginia Trimble.
Conference Themes:
(1) History of non-optical and space astronomy, and how it has changed
astronomy overall (with some emphasis on radio astronomy).
(2) A cultural look at how our views of planet Earth (and of us) have been
changed by the past fifty years of astronomy and space exploration (with
some emphasis on astrobiology topics, particularly extraterrestrial life).
These two themes have been chosen because they relate to major research
projects in Woody's career are important issues, which have not been
collectively treated before, and are coherent enough to attract a group to
Seattle hopefully will make for an attractive publication.
Woody's Vision of 'Woodfest'
"In general I'm fascinated with the mutual influences of astronomy and
culture on each other. I'd like to see the meeting be different from normal
in having a much larger fraction than usual of papers that 'step back' and
look at: where we are in astronomy and astrobiology (life in the Universe)
and how we got here in the early twenty-first century, with a special
emphasis on the past fifty years (but not strictly confined to that
period). Current scientific research results are not excluded, but they
should always be placed in the above context. Therefore, speakers should
attempt much broader and integrative topics than they (perhaps) normally
do. Talks should be as broad as speakers are willing to tackle, but of
course still grounded in concrete examples and case studies. Here's a
chance to try out some speculations, syntheses, assertions, etc.!"
Deadline for Offers of Papers: 31 March 2004.
Registration Fee: US$80
Conference Dinner: Thursday 17 June (Woody's Birthday).
Optional Excursions: Saturday 19 June.
Further Details & On-line Registration:
http://faculty.washington.edu/bhevly
[Provided by Wayne Orchiston, Anglo-Australian Observatory and Australia
Telescope National Facility]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
"The Scientific Instrument Collections in the University" Conference (SICU)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific Instrument Collections in the University
An International Conference at Dartmouth College, 24-27 June 2004
Co-sponsored by Dartmouth College and the Scientific Instrument Commission,
International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science
Funded by the National Science Foundation and the Dickey Center for
International Understanding at Dartmouth College
Thursday, 24 June
18:30 Keynote address
Paolo Brenni,
Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Florence, and President, SIC
"Sleeping beauties: Historical collections of scientific instruments at
European universities"
Friday, 25 June
9:00 Session 1: The political economy of university collections (workshop)
Topics to include:
- recognizing the value of university collections, defining collection
mandates
- promoting collections at departmental, university, and wider levels
- relationships with other university collections, i.e., museums,
libraries, archives
- uses for collections and the fostering of traditional and new clienteles
10:45 Session 2a: University collections and university histories (papers)
* Julian Holland, University of Sydney, "University Collections of
Scientific Instruments: An Australian Perspective"
* Mott Linn, Clark University, "Photographic record of Clark's new
laboratories in 1892"
* Dalibor Voboril and Petr Kveton (NC), Academy of Sciences of the Czech
Republic, "Collections of historical psychological devices in Czech
universities"
10:45 Session 2b: Using university collections for research (papers)
14:00 Session 3: Collection management (workshop)
Topics to include:
- organizing and cataloguing collections
- storage, proper handling, conservation, security
- environmental safety
- creating policies for on-going acquisition and de-accession
- dealing with large objects
15:45 Session 4a: Can university collections survive their founders?
(papers)
* M. Eugene Rudd, University of Nebraska, "The making of a collection:
Historic scientific instruments at the University of Nebraska"
* Norman Heckenberg, University of Queensland, "Avoiding infant mortality"
* Joseph Bellina, St. Mary's College, "Does St. Mary's collection have a
future?"
* Sebastian Soubiran, University of Strasbourg, "Getting started:
Preservation and valorisation of scientific instruments at the University
of Strasbourg"
15:45 Session 4b: Curatorial challenges (papers)
* Aysen Savan, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, "Cataloguing and
classifying: From a gyroscope to a mission statement"
* David Brock and Robert Lukens, Chemical Heritage Foundation,
"Chemistry's revolutionary tools: Collecting and interpretating
post-war chemical instrumentation"
* Jim Moss, Horological conservator, "The mercurial relationship
between David and Goliath"
* Yaakov Zik, University of Haifa,
"Instrument: An interaface among theory, symbolic representation and the
real world"
20:00 Session 5: Digital projects and exhibitions (workshop)
Saturday, 26 June
9:00 Session 6: Teaching with university collections (workshop)
10:45 Session 7a: Introducing hidden collections (papers)
* Jose Bertomeu, University of Valencia, "Scientific Instruments at
Secondary Schools in Spain, 1845-1939"
* Thomas B. Greenslade, Keynon College, "Hidden collections"
* Anne McMahon, Santa Clara University, and Dana Freiburger, University
of Wisconsin, "The Santa Clara Scientific Instrument Collection"
* Jean-Francois Loude (NC), University of Lausanne, "Historic physics
instruments at the University of Lausanne"
* Frank Winkler and Matthew W. Motley, Middlebury College, "Scientific
instruments at Middlebury College"
10:45 Session 7b: Introducing hidden collections (papers)
* Richard Paselk, Humboldt State University, "From virtual to reality:
The making of the Robert A. Paselk Scientific Instrument Museum"
* Bernard Ziomkiewicz, Queen's University, "The physics collection of
Queen's University"
* Michael Littman (NC), Princeton, "Joseph Henry's artifacts at Princeton"
* Andrew Bell, private scholar, "Skeletons in the closet: Optical
artifacts from the Dartmouth King Collection"
14:00 Session 8: Whither university astronomical observatories? (workshop)
Sunday, 27 June
9-17 Optional excursion to the American Precision Museum, Windsor, Vt, and
to the Russell Porter Museum and turret telescopes in Springfield, VT, with
lunch at the Hartness House Planned excursions
We plan to have a day of optional field trips. In the morning we will visit
the American Precision Museum in Windsor, VT where we can inspect two
floors of precision machines. We hope to make special arrangement to visit
the stores, which are filled with additional machines. Of special interest
are several ruling engines.
The American Precision Museum
We will then travel to Springfield, VT and lunch at the Hartness House. An
underground tunnel connects the Hartness House with the Hartness Turret
Telescope (refractor) which will be open for our inspection.
The Hartness Turret Telescope
We are making arrangements to visit the restored Porter Turret Telescope
(reflector) located on a nearby hill. The building is large enough to
accommodate several people and the instrument is used in the daytime to
project the solar image.
Our web address is:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sicu
The SICU Organizing Committee (Richard Kremer, Frank Manasek, Dave
Pantalony, Sara Schechner)
[Source: David Pantalony to Rete discussion group, 21 March 2004;
Sara Schechner to HASTRO-L, 3 April 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 8 ENHA No. 57, May 23, 2004
...........................................................................
VITRUM - exhibition on ancient glass and science
------------------------------------------------
A large exhibition on ancient glass and science entitled "Vitrum. Il vetro
fra arte e scienza nel mondo romano"
(http://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/vitrum/) had opened on March 27 in Florence
at Palazzo Pitti. Several scientific instruments, including Archimede's
model of the universe, have been reconstructed. While the catalogue of the
exhibition is in Italian (http://www.giunti.it/index.php), a complementary
publication is "When Glass Matters. Studies in the History of Science and
Art from Graeco-Roman Antiquity to Early Modern Era", edited by Marco
Beretta, Florence. Leo S. Olschki (www.olschki.it), explores the same topic
on a longer period.
[Source: Marco Beretta to Rete discussion group, 16 April 2004]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank Klaus Staubermann and Wayne Orchiston.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar
W. Duerbeck
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
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Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Archives: Previous issues of ENHA are to be found at
http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ .
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astrohist.org/
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam,
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Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
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Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank
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Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 58
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 58, June 6, 2004 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Astronomy in and around Prague - Colloquium
2. The European Scientist - Second announcement
3. Fifth International Conference on Oriental Astronomy (ICOA-5)
4. Annual meeting of the Austrian sundial group
5. Conference Announcement: Science in Europe/Europe in Science: 1500-2000
6. Further Conferences in 2004
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
Astronomy in and around Prague - Colloquium
-------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 72,
5. Juni 2004, Item 1. Translation by the editors.)
The next international scientific meeting of the Astronomische
Gesellschaft (AG) will take place in Prague on September 20-25, 2004.
The topic is "From Cosmological Structures to the Milky Way", and
the web page of the meeting is:
http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/agtagprag.html
In this framework, the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the AG
plans to held a colloquium "Astronomy in Prague", which will take place on
Monday, September 20, 2004. This topic obviously comprises the golden age
under emperor Rudolf II, with scientists like Tycho Brahe (1546-1601),
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) and Marco Marci de Kronland (1595-1667).
However, already in the middle ages important astronomical manuscripts were
written, especially at the time of Wenzel. The astronomical clock at the
city hall on the Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti) is a highlight of
instrumental craftmanship, as are the instruments of Jost Buergi and
Erasmus Habermel (Tycho's sextants), which are now kept at the National
Technical Museum (Narodni Technicke Muzeum) in Prague.
The former Jesuit college, the Clementinum from the age of Baroque (1556),
headed by Josef Stepling (1716-1778), nowadays houses the National Library,
which keeps also medieval astronomical manuscripts. The astronomical tower
of 1751 still indicates that the college also had an observatory.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the scientists Christian Doppler
(1803-1853), Josef Petzval (1807-1891), Ernst Mach (1838-1916), Erwin
Finlay-Freundlich (1885-1964) and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) were active
in Prague.
Timetable:
Sunday, September 19, from 19:00:
get-together in a Prague restaurant; it is likely that before the
meeting, a tour through the city of Prague will be arranged, where
places of astronomical interest will be visited.
Monday, September 20, 10:00 - 17:00:
Colloquium in the Prague Academy of Sciences, Hall No. 206, 2nd floor,
Room No. 20.
Address: Akademie ved CR (Presidium), Narodni 3, Praha 1
(opposite the National Theatre)
Conference fee: 20.- EUR, partially covering the conference proceedings.
Coordinators of the meeting:
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt, IGN, Universitaet Hamburg
e-mail: wolfschmidt@math.uni-hamburg.de
Tel. +49-40-42838-5262, Fax +49-40-42838-5260
Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany
e-mail: pbrosche@astro.uni-bonn.de
Tel.: +49-6592-2150, Fax: +49-6592-985140
Doc. RNDr. Martin Solc, Astronomical Institute of the Charles University
e-mail: Martin.Solc@mff.cuni.cz
Tel. +420 22191 2572, Fax: +420 22191 2577.
Inquiries and registration should be directed to Ms. Wolfschmidt and (at
least) to one of the two other coordinators. Time for oral presentations
should not exceed 20 minutes. Please also register when you do not plan to
give a talk. Lectures should be given in English, German or Czech; the
first language is preferred.
Deadline of the abstract submission - in English, and by e-mail - is June
18, 2004. Please use the abstract form of the Astronomische Gesellschaft,
to be found at:
http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/agtagfbg.html
Please send the abstract to Reinhard E. Schielicke,
Universitaets-Sternwarte Jena, e-mail: schie@astro.uni-jena.de,
to Ms. Wolfschmidt and at least to one of the two other coordinators.
Each abstract can comprise one printed page, with at most one figure (b&w
or grey); the abstracts will be published as "Short Contributions" in a
special issue of the Astronomische Nachrichten.
More information can be obtained
- at the Local Organizing Committee:
Martin Solc, Astronomisches Institut der Karlsuniversitaet
e-mail: Martin.Solc@mff.cuni.cz
- at the web page:
http://www.math.uni-hamburg.de/spag/ign/events/ak04prag.htm
(English version in preparation)
- on accomodation in Prague:
http://www.praha-accommodation.com/
Talks submitted by now (TBC = to be confirmed):
* Alena and Petr Hadrava: Astronomy in Prague in medieval time
* Josef Smolka (Prague): Tycho Brahe and Tadeas Hajek z Hajku (TBC)
* Zdislav Sima (Academy of Sciences, Prague): The Prague Sextants
(Habermel, Buergi), the Astronomical Clock
* Guenther Wuchterl and Klaudia Einhorn (Universitaets-Sternwarte
Jena): On Johannes Kepler
* Rahlf Hansen (Planetarium Hamburg): Kepler and the Star of
Bethlehem
* Ingrid Guentherodt (Konstanz): The language of the women astronomer
Maria Cunitia (1604-1664)
* Franz Daxecker (Innsbruck): The correspondence of the astronomer
Christoph Scheiner
* Georg Schuppener (Leipzig): Jesuit astronomy in Prague
* Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn): Father David's Correspondence with Franz
Xaver von Zach
* Gudrun Wolfschmidt (IGN Universitaet Hamburg): Josef Petzval
(1807-1891) (TBC)
* N.N.: Paper on Christian Doppler (TBC)
* Franz Kerschbaum and Thomas Posch (Institut fuer Astronomie Wien):
(TBC)
* Dieter Hoffmann (MPI fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte Berlin): Erwin
Finlay-Freundlich (1885-1964) in Prague
Poster:
* Burkard Steinruecken (Sternwarte Recklinghausen): The Dynamical
Interpretation of the "Sky Disc of Nebra"
At the end of the colloquium, a meeting of the members of the Working Group
for the History of Astronomy will take place; guests are welcome.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
The European Scientist (Second Announcement)
--------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 72,
5. Juni 2004, Item 2.)
Symposium on the era and work of Franz Xaver von Zach (1754-1832)
Budapest 15-17 September 2004
PURPOSE
This symposium celebrates the era and work of Franz Xaver von Zach on
the 250th anniversary of his birth. The meeting will bring together
international experts in the history of science to present papers on
the following topics:
Biographical aspects
Scientific periodicals
Meetings of scientists
Enlightenment, freemasonry and religious orders
Interaction with politics
The role of "managers of science"
Gauss and the Hungarian science
The evolution of star catalogues
Minor planets and celestial mechanics
Astrogeodetic instruments
Local and global geodesy and navigation
Civil and military cartography
Geography and geophysics
DATES
Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, 2004. The symposium precedes the autumn meeting
of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, held in Prague during Sept. 20-25, 2004.
VENUE
The meeting will take place in the main building of the Hungarian
Academy of Sciences in Budapest, Hungary.
ACCOMODATION
There are several hotels of different categories spread over the whole
city. The LOC recommends the following hotels of medium category. All the
hotels have their own rules of cancellation of the reservations. The LOC
can help in the booking but the cancellation and the eventual charges are
the responsibilities of the participants.
Best Western Hotel Orion ***
H-1013, Budapest, Doebrentei u. 13
Phone:36 1 356 8933
Fax: 36 1 375 6418
e-mail: orionhot@axelero.hu
URL: www.bestwestern-ce.com/orion
single room 80 Euro/night
double room 95 Euro/night
The price includes breakfast and 10% discount. All the rooms have bathroom.
The hotel is located at the Danube on the opposite side from the Academy.
It is at 15 minutes walking distance or by one change with public
transport.
Hotel Pest ***
H-1061, Budapest, Paulay Ede utca 31
Phone: 36 1 343 1198
Fax: 36 1 351 9164
e-mail: hotelpest@hotelpest.hu
single room 75 Euro/night
double room 90 Euro/night
The prices includes breakfast and 10% discount. All the rooms have
bathroom. The hotel is located at the Pest side in the heart of the city
within 10 minutes walking distance from the venue of the meeting.
Fabius Panzio ***
H-1122, Budapest, Varosmajor u. 88
Phone: 36 1 489 3325
Fax: 36 1 489 3327
e-mail: fabiushotel@hotmail.com
single room 50 Euro/night
double room 61 Euro/night
The price includes breakfast and 10% discount. All the rooms have shower.
The hotel is located in the Buda side of the city at 15-20 travel distance
by one change with public transport.
Oktatasi Miniszterium I.sz Vendeghaza (Guest House of the Ministry of
Education)
H-1122 Budapest, Maros u. 16/a
Phone: 36 1 356 4246
Fax: 36 1 356 7846
1 room apartment (a small kitchen, bathroom)
for 1 person 9959 HUF/night
for 2 persons 11385 HUF/night
2 rooms apartment (a small kitchen, bathroom)
for 1 person 12817 HUF/night
for 2 persons 14226 HUF/night
for 3 persons 15640 HUF/night
The apartment includes no breakfast but there is a restaurant in the
house and shops within few minutes of walking. The guest house is
located on the Buda side of the city at 15 minutes travel distance.
The present exchange rate is about 250 HUF/Euro.
The period of the conference is still in the high season. All the
participants are asked therefore to make their final decision soon in
order to find accommodation at their convenience.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is open for everybody who is interested in this subject.
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
We welcome accompanying persons.
PROCEEDINGS
We want to publish proceedings of the symposium. The necessary means
have been granted, however, only for this year. Therefore we have to
request that authors should at latest bring their manuscripts ready to
the conference, most desirably in electronic form. We encourage
earlier delivery of drafts (in .tex, .doc or plain ascii format, with
separate figures in .tif, .gif, or .jpg format) to the two editors
Hilmar Duerbeck (hduerbec@vub.ac.be) and Endre Zsoldos
(zsoldos@yahoo.com).
SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn, chairman)
Jim Caplan (Marseille)
Anita McConnell (London)
Gudrun Wolfschmidt (Hamburg)
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (Budapest)
Bela Balazs
Lajos G. Balazs (chairman)
Laszlo Patkos
Magda Vargha
Endre Zsoldos
Preliminary programme
Wednesday, September 15
Morning
Biography
(chair: L. G. Balazs)
Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn): Pictures from Zach's worldline
Arpad Szallasi (Esztergom): The military health service around 1800
Andras Koltai (Budapest): The role of the Piarist order in developing
the scientific way of thinking
Anita McConnell (London): Zach in England
The astronomical background
(chair: G. Wolfschmidt)
Katalin Barlai (Budapest): Moon occultation measurements of Jesuit
astronomers in China, published in the Viennese Ephemerides
Balint Erdi (Budapest): Laplace and the development of celestial mechanics
Lajos G. Balazs (Budapest): Theoretical astrophysics in the XIXth century
Afternoon
Instruments
(chair: P. Brosche)
Istvan Jankovics (Budapest): Astrogeodesic instruments in Hungary
Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena): The advent of the meridian circle
Gudrun Wolfschmidt (Hamburg): Instruments and their problems
Alberto Meschiari (Modena): Franz Xaver von Zach and Giovanni Battista
Amici
Astronomy
(chair: A. McConnell)
Hilmar Duerbeck (Brussels): Venus transits of the 18th century and the
astronomical unit
Imre Toth (Budapest): The discovery of the first minor planets
Endre Zsoldos(Budapest): Variable star astronomy in Zach's time
Thursday, September 16
Morning
Sciences of the Earth (chair: H. Duerbeck)
Attila Mesko (Budapest): The development of our understanding of the geoid
Oliver Schwarz (Landau): Zach as surveyor of Thuringia
James Caplan (Marseille): Zach and the geodesy of Southern France
Istvan Klinghammer (Budapest): Cartography in Hungary at the turn of
the XVIII-XIXth century
Afternoon
The Organisation of Science
(chair: J. Caplan)
Bela Balazs (Budapest): The role of "managers of science"
Laszlo Patkos (Budapest): The Pasquich affair
Clifford Cunningham (Sunny Isles Beach): A project to publish the
collected correspondence of Baron Franz Xaver von Zach
Magda Vargha (Budapest): Gauss and the Hungarian science
Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn): Zach's impact on the sciences
Friday, September 17
Inauguration of the memorial tablet
REGISTRATION
Please provide name, first name, postal address, fax number, e-mail
address, and number of accompanying persons. (Or use the registration form
- see EMA 70, the Web site or contact the LOC). There is no registration
fee.
In case you want to present a paper, please give title, author(s),
duration, and abstract.
Return this information to:
Prof. L. G. Balazs, Konkoly Observatory, P. O. Box 67,
H-1525 Budapest, Hungary.
Fax: (36)(1)275-4668
e-mail: balazs@konkoly.hu
Meeting's web site: http://www.konkoly.hu/zach2004/
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
Fifth International Conference on Oriental Astronomy (ICOA-5)
-------------------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 72,
5. Juni 2004, Item 4.)
Venue: Chiang Mai Hills Hotel, 18, Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Date: October 4-8, 2004.
Objectives:
1. To celebrating 40 years of Chiang Mai University and featuring sessions
to commemorate:
- 200th anniversary of the birth of King Rama IV, father of Thai Science
- 400th anniversary of the galactic Supernova of 1604
2. To present various interesting topics on oriental astronomy.
3. To encourage the future development of cooperative researches in various
countries in the region.
4. To experience culture and tradition of Thailand.
Topics of Interest:
Among the topics to be covered are
- Historical records & observations
- Observations & instruments
- Atlases
- Star Catalogues
- Calendars
- Calendar making
- Exchange of astronomical information
- Teaching of astronomy
- Poster session
Language: Language used in the ICOA-5 is English.
Scientific Organizing Committee:
S.M. Ansari, K.-Y. Chen (Co-chair), K.-W. Fung, B. Hidayat, C.-Y. Liu,
D.L. Lu, T. Nakamura, I.-S. Nha, F. Rahimi, B. Soonthornthum,
F.R. Stephenson, R.G. Strom (Co-chair)
General Information:
Chiang Mai: This is one of Thailand's largest cities. It is situated in
northern Thailand on the bank of the Ping river, about 720 km north of
Bangkok. There is frequent air-link to and from Bangkok. Chiang Mai was
founded in 1296 on the site of an 11th-century settlement as a capital and
religious center of Lanna Thai kingdom. It is the main economic center for
the northern part of the country and attracts many tourists by its famous
temples, mountains and comfortable climate. Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep is one
of the famous places in Thailand and claims to contain relics of Buddha.
There are many beautiful scenic places and colorful ethnic minorities in
Chiang Mai and surrounding areas. Besides tourism, industries include trade
in locally produced agricultural products, and production of traditional
silverware, lacquer ware, pottery and other handicraft items. Chiang Mai
University is the major academic institute in the region.
Climate: Temperature in October: approximately 20C or 68F to 25C or 77F in
the morning and about 35C or 95F in the afternoon. Rain is sometimes
possible.
Cultural Excursions: Sightseeing and cultural excursions will be organized
during the conference. A Kan-toke dinner (typical northern-style dinner
with beautiful northern performances) is planned for the banquet.
Internet Services: Internet services are available at the conference.
Conference Registration Fee: US $ 200
(for students : US $ 100, for accompany guests : US $ 50)
Registration Forms:
A registration form is available at
http://www.science.cmu.ac.th/icoa-5/icoaregis.html or from:
Prof. B. Soonthornthum (LOC Chair),
Faculty of Science,
Chiang Mai University,
Chiang Mai 50200,
THAILAND.
PHONE : 66 53 943301
FAX : 66 53 222268 or 66 53 892274
E-mail: boonraks@chiangmai.ac.th
Further information is available at:
http://www.science.cmu.ac.th/icoa-5/
[Source: Web site]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
Annual meeting of the Austrian sundial group
--------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 72,
5. Juni 2004, Item 5.)
This year the annual meeting of the Austrian sundial group takes place in
Oberperfuss near Innsbruck. This is the birthplace of Peter Anich, a farmer
and surveyor of the 18th century. There are still 8 or 9 sundials by Peter
Anich preserved in this area. They belong to the most beautiful sundials in
Austria.
The meeting is from Sept. 23 to 25, 2004. If anybody of you is interested
to join, please write to:
Helmut Sonderegger
Sonnengasse 24, A-6800 Feldkirch, Austria
email: h.sonderegger@utanet.at
Homepage: http://web.utanet.at/sondereh
[Source: Helmut Sonderegger to the Sundial Discussion Group, 9 March 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Science in Europe/Europe in Science: 1500-2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement and Call for Papers
Science in Europe/Europe in Science: 1500-2000
Maastricht, 4-6 November 2004
From 4-6 November 2004, an international conference "Science in Europe/
Europe in Science: 1500-2000" will be held in Maastricht (The Netherlands),
exploring new European perspectives on the history and historiography of
science. The conference is jointly organized by Gewina (Dutch Society for
the History of Science, Medicine, Mathematics and Technology) and the
European Society for the History of Science.
Why looking for a European perspective?
During the last decades, the growing political and economic integration of
European countries has led to a major shift in the way we think and feel
about our national identity and our position as European citizens. The
arrival of the euro, the deregulation of European markets and the
integration of East and West have created a general awareness of the uniting
factors at work on the European level, extending even beyond the boundaries of
the European Union. Europe is not just a geographical matter-of-fact anymore;
it reflects a psychological and political reality, characterized by its own
distinct cultural space and historical destiny.
This new dimension of Europe is bound to have a profound impact on our
perception of political entities, social differences and local traditions.
As national frontiers recede into the background, new structural
determinants come into focus. The ways of international communication and
commerce, the continuous migration of people, knowledge and goods, as well
as the cultural radiance of metropolitan centres towards peripheral regions
will become important elements in our understanding of what constitutes the
peculiar identity of this multilingual and multicultural continent.
This emerging European perspective will undoubtedly have important
implications for the historiography of science. Europe was the cradle of
modern science, originating in the dynamic world of the late Middle Ages,
soon to become a prominent feature of the European Renaissance and
Enlightenment. During the nineteenth and the twentieth century, Europe
maintained a leading role in science, medicine and technology, which became
deeply integrated in European culture. Although throughout its history
Europe was continuously influenced by civilizations from other continents,
it managed to impress a distinctive flavour on what has become our global
scientific heritage. In this perspective, research into the European roots
of modern science is all the more desirable.
Three areas of reflection
1. Science in Europe
The history of Europe is intertwined with the history of the sciences. The
exchange of ideas and technology contributed substantially to the history
of Europe. Scholars and students, as well as texts and instruments
travelled widely across national borders. Texts, however, were not only
translated, but also adapted, assimilated and supplemented. Ideas and
research practices were taken out of their original contexts, appropriated
and adopted into new practices and theories.
Science in Europe aims at discussing themes dealing with the mobility,
transmission, and the appropriation of knowledge, e.g.
* Scholars' and students' travels
* Book and print culture
* Translation practices
* Travelling instruments, research technology and laboratory materials
* National societies and their international contacts and ambitions
* International conferences
* Networks in Europe: Centre / periphery; interactions between different
metropolises; relations between cities and countryside
2. Europe in Science
Considering Europe not as a mere natural fact, but rather as a historical
construction, it may be asked how science has contributed to this process.
How was Europe defined and referred to, in for instance eighteenth-century
encyclopaedias or nineteenth century schoolbooks? How did the cultural
space of Europe contribute to or conflict with the notion of
internationalism in science?
How did scientific explorers react to the otherness of overseas
civilizations, and how would they juxtapose these experiences with their
perception of Europe as the budding ground of science and civilization?
European research networks and standardization of measures and weights
confirmed the image of a growing European unity. Co-operation (and rivalry)
in science may have been a venue towards political co-operation, a
harmonisation of social and cultural values and a better mutual
understanding.
Europe in Science tackles the following issues:
* The scientific construction of Europe (geography, anthropology)
* The normalisation and standardisation of measures
* European research-networks and research institutions
* European scientific prizes
* Internationalism as an historical construct
3. The History of Science and the self consciousness of Europe
As any historical narrative, the history of science builds a vision of
common heritage and continuous development. The birth of modern science is
often considered to be one of the most distinctive achievements of European
culture. What is the relationship between the identity of Europe and
science's historical development? What, if any, cultural impact does the
history of science have on the self-consciousness of Europe? How does the
history of science relate to other constituent historical narratives such
as the history of Christianity and humanism or the history of various roads
to democracy?
The history of science can be seen as a contributor to the homogenization
of European culture. The proclaimed universalism of science transcends the
national context and brings national cultures closer to each other. Still,
national identity often reappears in so-called national styles, which
provide an opportunity for historians to disentangle the closely knit
picture of European culture. A (rhetorical) analysis of science and the
accounts of its historical development could broaden our views on the role
of science in the (dis)uniting of Europe.
Topics may include:
* The comparative analysis of the meaning of 'Europe' for different
European countries
* Historical reflection on and contextual analysis of national and
international oriented histories of science and their relationship
to a broader European perspective
* The problematic issue of national styles
Call for papers
Scholars wanting to present a 20 minute paper at this conference are
invited to submit a one-page proposal to the program committee before 1 May
2004. The final programme will be announced in July 2004.
The language of the conference is English.
Practical information
The conference opens on Thursday evening November 4, at 7.00 pm with a
public lecture, open to the general public, followed by a Get Together
Party. The conference finishes on Saturday around 5.30 pm.
On Saturday morning the General Assembly of the European Society for the
History of Science will hold its bi-annual meeting.
Updated information on the conference can be obtained on www.gewina.nl
Conference fee and registration
The conference fee is EUR 120.00, and includes coffee/tea and catered
lunches on Friday and Saturday. On Friday night a conference dinner will be
organized. This dinner is not included in the conference fee and costs
EUR 55.00.
Registration for the conference and the reservation of hotel accommodation
for the participants is handled by the Maastricht University Conference and
Events Office. Please refer to the Registration section on www.gewina.nl
for details.
Program Committee
Prof. Dr. E. Houwaart, chair (Amsterdam), Prof. Dr. J. Browne (London),
Prof. Dr. C. Debru (Paris), Prof. Dr. R. Fox (Oxford),
Prof. Dr. K. Gavroglu (Athens), Prof. Dr. Phil. H. Kragh (Aarhus),
Prof. Dr. A. Labisch (Duesseldorf), Dr. G. Somsen (Maastricht),
Dr. I. Stamhuis (Amsterdam), Dr. B. van Tiggelen (Louvain-la-neuve),
Prof. Dr. G. Vanpaemel(Leuven/Nijmegen), and Dr. J. Wachelder (Maastricht).
All e-mail correspondence should be addressed to congress@gewina.nl
Further information can also be obtained from Dr. R. Knoeff, Universiteit
Maastricht, Faculty of Culture and Arts, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht,
The Netherlands. Tel. 0031 43 3883314, Fax +31 43 3884816.
[Source: Christoph Meinel to Mailing List "Wissenschaftsgeschichte in
Deutschland", 24 March 2004.]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 58, June 6, 2004
...........................................................................
Further Conferences in 2004
---------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 72,
5. Juni 2004, Item 6.)
June 4-6, 2004, Preston, Lancashire, England
Jeremiah Horrocks and transits ancient and modern
Student and amateur astronomy weekend conference at Alston Hall College
and Alston Observatory, Alston, Longridge, Preston
Contacts: Gordon Bromage, UCLan, Fax 01772 892996, e-mail
gebromage@uclan.ac.uk
July 15-17, 2004, Kiev, Ukraine
Astronomy in Ukraine - Past, Present and Future
Contacts: Main Astronomical Observatory of the National
Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
27 Akademika Zabolotnoho St., 03680 Kiev, Ukraine,
E-mail: mao-2004@mao.kiev.ua,
Phone: 380 (44) 266-31-10, Fax: 380 (44) 266-21-47
http://www.mao.kiev.ua/mao-2004/
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For directly sending us information we thank Peter Brosche, Kwan Yu Chen
and Gudrun Wolfschmidt.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editors: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick and Dr. Hilmar
W. Duerbeck
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Archives: Previous issues of ENHA are to be found at
http://www.astrohist.org/aa/enha/ .
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astrohist.org/
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Vogelsang 35 A, D-14478 Potsdam,
Germany, e-mail: wdick@astrohist.org
Bank Acct. of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 310 330 402, Volksbank Coesfeld-Duelmen (BLZ 401 631 23)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postbank
Hamburg, BLZ 200 100 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 59
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 59, March 26, 2005 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick and Hilmar W. Duerbeck *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Symposium "Time and astronomy in past cultures"
2. Fifth International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical
Phenomena
3. Seventh Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
4. Summer School "Instruments at Work"
5. Albert Einstein Century International Conference
6. XXIVth Scientific Instrument Symposium
7. Symposium "Sharing the Celestial Sphere"
8. Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) Meeting
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Symposium "Time and astronomy in past cultures"
-----------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 2.)
Torun, March 30 - April 1, 2005
The Department of Historical Anthropology at the Institute of Archaeology,
Warsaw University, together with Torun Planetarium is organising a
symposium entitled "Time and astronomy in past cultures", in memory of
Professor Andrzej Wiercinski (1930-2003). The symposium will take place in
Torun, March 30 - April 1, 2005 under the auspices of Societe Europeenne
pour l'Astronomie dans la Culture (SEAC, www.iac.es/SEAC/SEAC.html).
1. Main topics.
Our aim is to provoke an interdisciplinary discussion about the time
reckoning and astronomical tools of time measuring and calendars in past
cultures, with special focus on ancient civilizations of the Old and New
World. Proposed (but not obligatory) topics are:
1) calendars and calendar festivals,
2) solar vs. lunar calendars and their arranging,
3) time reckoning and historical perspective.
The symposium will be dedicated to the memory of Professor Andrzej
Wiercinski, pioneer Polish researcher of astronomy in culture.
2. The location.
The symposium will be held in Torun, the city where Nikolaus Copernicus
was born (cf. www.um.torun.pl/torun/baza/pierwsza_en.php).
The symposium events will take place in the Old Town: the planetarium,
Copernicus' House and the City Hall.
3. Fees and grants.
The conference fee is EUR 20 (accompanying persons EUR 15, students EUR
15). It will cover symposium materials as well as refreshments during
sessions. It can be paid upon arrival. The lunches and dinners during three
days of symposium will cost about EUR 7 each. Colleagues from Eastern
Europe can apply for a grant covering the travel and accommodation costs,
as well as the conference fee. There will be at least 5 such grants of EUR
120 each, alloted by the Organizing Committee on the grounds of abstracts.
One-day optional trip to the Iron Age stone circles of Odry and Wesiory is
planned after the symposium; its cost will be about EUR 40 (including
transportation & meals).
4. Accommodation.
The participants may select their preferred accommodation from the
following list of hotels and hostels (the prices may have slightly
changed):
Mercure-Helios ***, about half kilometer apart from the Old Town
http://www.orbis.pl/mercureheliostorun/
(single room 320 PLN, double room 380 PLN, app. EUR 70 / 80)
Heban ***, a baroque house in the Old Town
(single room 190 PLN, double room 300 PLN, app. EUR 40 / 65)
Trzy Korony [Three Crowns] **, located close to the City Hall in the Old
Town
(single room 150 PLN, double room 190 PLN, app. EUR 35 / 40)
Polonia **, 200 meters from the City Hall in the Old Town
(single room 150 PLN, double room 190 PLN, app. EUR 35 / 40)
Wodnik [Aquarius] **, close to the Old Town, on Vistula river
http://www.hotelwodnik.com.pl/
(single room 100 PLN, double room 140 PLN, app. EUR 22 / 30)
PTTK [Polish Tourism Society] hostel, about one and half kilometer apart
from the Old Town, bath in the corridor
(single room 60 PLN, double room 70 PLN, app. EUR 13 / 15)
7. Publication.
The proceedings of the symposium will be published in a reviewed volume,
in collaboration with SEAC and Torun's City Hall.
8. Organizing Committee.
Mariusz S. Ziolkowski (Department of Historical Anthropology, Warsaw
University)
Lucjan Broniewicz (Torun Planetarium)
Arkadiusz Soltysiak (Department of Historical Anthropology, Warsaw
University)
The correspondence should be sent to Arkadiusz Soltysiak,
Department of Historical Anthropology, Institute of Archaeology, Warsaw
University, ul. Krakowskie Przedmie cie 26/28, 00-927 Warszawa, Poland,
phone (48 22) 5520129, fax (48 22) 826 90 30, e-mail
A.Soltysiak@uw.edu.pl.
[Source: text provided by Arkadiusz Soltysiak]
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Fifth International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 3.)
Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena Conference ("INSAP V"),
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Chicago, June 26 - July 1, 2005
INSAP conferences explore the rich and diverse ways in which people of the
past and present incorporate astronomical events into literary, visual, and
performance arts. This emphasis distinguishes INSAP from other conferences
that focus on archeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, or cultural astronomy. INSAP
provides a mechanism for a broad sampling of artists, writers, musicians,
historians, philosophers, scientists, and others to talk about the
diversity of astronomical inspiration.
INSAP V will be based at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum in
Chicago from June 26 - July 1, 2005. Mornings and early afternoons are
devoted to conference presentations. Afternoons and evenings will include
field trips and artistic performances. Venues include the University of
Chicago's Oriental Institute, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Adler
Planetarium.
Invited speakers at INSAP V include Barbara Stafford, Professor of Art
History, University of Chicago; Jim Kaler, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy,
University of Illinois; John Carswell, former curator of Islamic art at the
Oriental Institute and Sotheby's; Donna Cox, Professor of Art and Design,
University of Illinois; Mary Quinlan, Professor of Art History, Northern
Illinois University; and Michael Shank, Professor of the History of
Science, University of Wisconsin.
INSAP V is dedicated to the memory of one of its founders and strong
supporters, Ray White, Jr.
Further information are available on the INSAP website:
www.adlerplanetarium.org/INSAPV
Questions should be sent to INSAPV@adernet.org or:
INSAP V
History of Astronomy Department
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
[Source: Rolf Sinclair to HASTRO-L, the History of Astronomy Discussion
Group, 1 Dec 2004]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Seventh Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
----------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 4.)
The Seventh Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop will be held at the
University of Notre Dame on 7-10 July 2005. The Biennial History of
Astronomy Workshops typically attract about 60-65 scholars interested in
the history of astronomy. Comfortable and economical accommodation is
available in the dormitories of Notre Dame, and provide an intimate setting
for a weekend devoted to scholarship. This year's invited speaker will be
Clive Ruggles, Professor of Archaeoastronomy in the School of Archaeology &
Ancient History at the University of Leicester.
Poster paper proposals will be accepted until April 1, 2005.
Details for submitting a proposal can be found at:
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/ndviiinfo/proposals.html
Fuller information on the upcoming conference can be found at:
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/ndviiinfo
Contacts:
Matthew F. Dowd
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
USA
[Source: Matt Dowd to HASTRO-L, 5 and 6 Oct 2004, 3 Jan 2005]
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Summer School "Instruments at Work"
-----------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 5.)
First Dutch International Summer School in the History of Science 2005,
Utrecht, The Netherlands, 3 - 16 July 2005
This Summer School will be organized around the rich collection of
historical scientific instruments from the last 500 years kept at Utrecht,
and all sessions will employ actual instruments. The emphasis will be on
hands-on experience. Examination and testing of historical instruments will
be combined with an investigation of the historical records surrounding
their employment, the functions they fulfilled within the evolution of
scientific disciplines, the rituals of which they formed part, and their
wider societal significance.
Participants will be invited to carry out actual experiments with
historical tools and to consider both tools and experimental results from a
series of methodological angles. They will be exposed to the whole range of
instruments from serially fabricated scientific machinery to paper tools.
They will be shown the complex and often problematic role of a given
instrument within the formation, dissemination or refutation of a
scientific theory. They will also be introduced to new ways of
understanding instruments as agents of scientific change, as problematic
oracles of silent nature, and as icons of cultural identity. Furthermore,
they will hear about curatorial aspects of instrument accessing and
restoration. Finally, they will be involved in discussions surrounding the
functions of science museums and collections of historical instruments.
The summer school, which is jointly organized by historians of science and
curators of scientific instruments, is intended for graduate students and
young scholars interested in historic scientific instruments. The Summer
School will take place at Utrecht. The program includes sessions at
Leiden's Museum Boerhaave, Amsterdam's Scheepvaartmuseum (Nautical Museum),
Haarlem's Teylers Museum, and the private Collection Peter Louwman.
Speakers include:
William Andrewes, Paolo Brenni, Thomas Dohmen, Sven Dupre, Marian Fournier,
Albert van Helden, Anke te Heesen, Peter Heering, Jan Hogendijk, Stephen
Johnston, Christoph Luethy, Frans van Lunteren, Bert Nederbragt, Rob van
Gent, Peter Louwman, Willem Maerzer Bruyns, Lodewijk Palm, Carla Rita
Palmerino, Jutta Schickore, Henning Schmidgen, Klaus Staubermann, Diederick
Wildeman, and others.
Organisation:
Utrecht Institute for the History and Foundations of Science &
University Museum Utrecht
Target group:
Graduate students and young academics and curators interested in the
history of scientific instruments
Number of participants:
Maximum 15
Fee:
895 Euro (includes tuition, accommodation, lunches, and excursions)
Accommodation:
Arranged through the University
Place:
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Period:
3-16 July 2005
Further information and application forms:
www.gewina.nl/summerschool2005
Organizers:
Dr. Klaus Staubermann, E-mail: k.b.staubermann@museum.uu.nl
Dr. Christoph Luethy, E-mail: luethy@phil.ru.nl
[Source: Klaus Staubermann to Rete mailing list, 5 Jan 2005]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Albert Einstein Century International Conference
------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 6.)
"Albert Einstein Century International Conference" will be held in Paris,
France from July 18 - 22, 2005. The conference will take place at the
Palais de l'Unesco in Paris.
The main purpose of this international conference is to put in perspective
the work of Einstein and the recent developments of the following
(potential) scientific and philosophical topics: Cosmology, Theory of
Unification, Theory of the Gravitation and Nature of Space - Time, Compact
Objects and high energies phenomena in the Universe, Nature of the Quantum
World, Brownian Motion, Philosophy, Politics, Biography and other aspects.
It will be a question of seeing how the questions raised by Einstein,
approximately one century ago, guided the scientific research though
sometimes the answers were founded in a way which was not considered by
Einstein.
Web site: http://einstein2005.obspm.fr
E-Mail: meeting.einstein2005@obspm.fr
[Source: George Gale to HASTRO-L, 5 Feb 2005]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
XXIV Scientific Instrument Symposium
------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 7.)
Beijing, China, 24-30 July 2005
Meeting Announcement and Call for Papers
The Scientific Instrument Commission of the International Union for the
History and Philosophy of Science (hereafter referred to as SIC) will hold
its next (24th) annual meeting in Beijing, China, 24-30 July 2005, as part
of the 22nd International Congress for the History of Science (hereafter
referred to as the 22nd ICHS). Globalization and Diversity: Diffusion of
Science and Technology throughout History has been selected as the theme
for this conference.
For further information on this Congress, please consult these websites:
(a) general: http://2005bj.ihns.ac.cn/
(b) forms for registration, submission of abstracts, and hotel
reservations; discount airfare; information on Beijing; and tours
available: http://www.conference.ac.cn/ichs05.htm
How to Attend the SIC Symposium:
Those wishing to participate in the SIC meetings must register for the full
Congress. Early registration ends on 15 March 2005; after this date, there
will be a higher fee. The registration form can be completed online, or
downloaded, filled out, and mailed or emailed to the Secretariat of the
22nd ICHS.
Please also send a copy of your registration form to the Secretary of the
Scientific Instrument Commission (address below), so that we will know how
many SIC members plan to attend and can keep you informed of any special
SIC events or excursions that we arrange.
How To Deliver a Paper:
Those wishing to deliver a paper on scientific instruments as part of the
"scientific sessions" organized by SIC, must submit their abstracts
directly to the Secretariat of the 22nd ICHS on a special form before 15
March 2005. The form can be downloaded from the Congress website. These
abstracts will be peer reviewed, as are all abstracts submitted to this
Congress. The abstracts should be marked with the phrase "Scientific
Section 11", which is the section dealing with scientific instruments.
Speakers who want their papers to appear in the same session as those of a
colleague should also indicate to the Secretariat the names of the speakers
whose papers are to be grouped together.
(Note: the abstract form still says that the deadline is April 15, but
recent statements by the local organizers say that abstracts will not be
accepted after March 15th.)
Please also send a copy of your abstract to the Secretary of the Scientific
Instrument Commission (e-mail address below), so that we will know what
papers are to be presented and can help the local organizers to group them
together.
We look forward to seeing you in Beijing!
Sara Schechner (schechn@fas.harvard.edu)
Secretary, Scientific Instrument Commission
Sara Schechner, Ph.D.
David P. Wheatland Curator
Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments
Department of the History of Science
Harvard University, Science Center 251c
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: 617-496-9542
Fax: 617-496-5932
[Source: Sara Schechner to Rete mailing list, 27 Oct 2004, 26 Nov 2004,
3 March 2005]
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Symposium "Sharing the Celestial Sphere"
----------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 73,
20. Maerz 2005, Item 8.)
On July 24-30, 2005 in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, the next
International Congress on History of Science will take place. The Congress
is organized under auspice of the Division of History of Science - the body
of the International Union for History and Philosophy of Science
(IUHPS/DHS).
The Organizing Committee for the Congress approved a Symposium dedicated to
the history of astronomy under the title Sharing the Celestial Sphere. The
sponsor of this Symposium is the Inter-Union Commission for History of
Astronomy (ICHA) jointly established by the International Astronomical
Union and the IUHPS. In my capacity as the ICHA President, it is my great
pleasure to invite all interested scholars to attend this Symposium. The
basic program of the Symposium is approved but, nevertheless, it is not too
late to include some more new papers.
If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact
Dr. Rajesh Cochhar or me
.
The ICHA hopes to see the interested scholars in Beijing.
Alexander Gurshtein
[Source: Alexander Gurshtein to HASTRO-L, 13 Jan 2005]
...........................................................................
Item 8 ENHA No. 59, March 26, 2005
...........................................................................
Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) Meeting
-------------------------------------------
The Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) of the American Astronomical
Society will meet Sept. 4 to Sept. 8, 2005 (Sun.-Thurs.), at the University
of Cambridge, in England. This will be a joint meeting with the Division of
Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the AAS. The HAD program will include 9, ninety
minute sessions of papers. Four plenary sessions with the DPS will open
with invited presentations of a historical nature. A Sunday evening
reception will open the meeting; HAD papers will be on Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday; with the conference DPS/HAD banquet on Wednesday; and on
Thursday a final plenary session will be followed by tours of Cambridge
sites relevant to our meeting.
The deadline for advance registration, reservation of accommodation, and
submission of abstracts, is 1 July 2005. However, it is essential for
planning the HAD sessions that speakers inform the papers committee of
their proposals at an early date. AAS members will submit their abstracts
directly to the AAS website by 1 July (in addition to informing the
committee); HAD speakers who are not AAS members will have their abstracts
submitted by the papers committee. At the date of this announcement, the
registration forms are not yet available.
Call for papers:
Proposals for presentations to the sessions are invited. A brief abstract,
including duration and media needs, can be emailed to Peter Abrahams at
.
Papers will be limited to the subject of the history of astronomy,
including the application of historical data to current studies. Papers can
be as long as 30 minutes in length, including set up and questions, but we
encourage those whose topics can be expressed in less time, to request the
appropriate duration. A papers committee, composed of HAD officers, will
review proposals for appropriate subject matter, and will assemble papers
into thematic sessions. Poster papers are encouraged, and can be on a wider
range of topics than spoken presentations.
The program:
HAD Papers will be presented in the Umney Theatre, Robinson College,
Grange Road.
The schedule for Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday is as follows:
Joint morning plenary session, 9:00am to 10:30 (Sidgwick Road site).
Paper Session I, 11:00am to 12:30pm.
Paper Session II, 2:00pm to 3:30pm.
Paper Session III, 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
HAD posters will be on display for the entire three days, in the foyer
areas near the Umney Theatre.
Two sessions are planned on the history of radio astronomy. At least one
session is planned on the history of planetary sciences, and one on
cosmology (keynote address by Helge Kragh). Other sessions will be
announced.
The four DPS plenary sessions, including historic introductions organized
by HAD, are as follows:
Mon. 5 Sept., DPS session on the Cassini-Huygens Mission, will open with
Albert Van Helden, speaking on the Saturn observations of Huygens &
Cassini. Tues. 6 Sept., session on the Mars Explorer Mission, will feature
Richard McKim, on observations of Martian dust storms. Wed. 7 Sept.,
session on the Deep Impact Mission, opens with Michael Hoskin, speaking on
Caroline Herschel's comet observations. Thurs. 8 Sept, session on the
SMART-1 Mission, will open with Peter Schultz, on impact hypotheses for
lunar cratering. The DPS conference will take place at the Music School and
the Law School of the University, Sidgwick Road site.
The DPS conference continues through Friday. HAD attendees can attend a
tour on Thursday; possible sites include the Whipple Museum of Scientific
Instruments, and the Greenwich Observatory Archives.
Registration fees: $290., one day $145., for members of DPS, AAS, or RAS,
until June 30, see registration form for non-member & student / emeritus
rates and for accomodation fees.
Housing will be at St John's College and Robinson College. Details can be
found at the DPS web site, address below.
We invite your participation in the 32nd Meeting of the Historical
Astronomy Division.
The HAD Committee: Don Yeomans, Tom Williams, Sara Schechner, Ron
Brashear, Dan Green and Peter Abrahams.
Questions can be addressed to:
DPS meeting homepage:
http://www-outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk/dps2005/
The registration form will be available on that page in the near future.
[Source: text provided by Peter Abrahams]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For directly sending us information we thank Peter Abrahams and Arkadiusz
Soltysiak.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
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