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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 41, May 16, 2000 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
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Contents
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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
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Item 1 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
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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
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Item 2 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
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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]
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Item 4 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
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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]
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Item 5 ENHA No. 41, May 16, 2000
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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"
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