The American Astronomical Society's First Century

Devorkin, David H.

ISBN 10: 1563966832 / ISBN 13: 9781563966835

Published by American Astronomical Society, 1999

About this Item

New book in publisher's original shrink wrap. Not a remainder. ; 0.98 x 11.14 x 8.58 Inches; 350 pages.

Seller Inventory # 13635

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The American Astronomical Society's First Century
• Publisher: American Astronomical Society
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1563966832
• ISBN 13: 9781563966835
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Illus. With Photos
• Condition: New
• Seller catalogs:
  • History of Science
  • Astronomy

About this title

Synopsis

BRAND NEW, perfect condition.

From the Author

Addresses major issues faced by the Society in past century.
The American Astronomical Society's First Century

David H. DeVorkin, Editor

Published for the American Astronomical Society through the American Institute of Physics. At the end of the 1890s astronomers in the United States began to meet annually to discuss issues and present papers on their research. By 1899 they had established the organization that became the American Astronomical Society. To celebrate the founding of this professional astronomical society in America, more than two dozen astronomers and historians have written essays for a special Centennial Book. Contributors to the historical section examine how the practice of astronomy has evolved in 20th-century America and how the AAS has facilitated the changes. Contributors to the contemporary section examine the current state of the AAS and project its future. They discuss some of the following questions:

Why did a professional society emerge when it did? How and why were amateurs excluded? How did the debate over naming the Society reflect the status of astrophysics in 1900? How did the Society establish itself as the voice of professional astronomy, and is/was it an effective voice? What are the responsibilities of the Society in the 21st century? Will astronomy need an organization like the AAS in the next century?

These are just some of the many questions and issues touched by the authors and editors of this book.