[AstroNet] African Astronomical Society
Kevin Govender
kg at saao.ac.za
Fri Sep 17 18:16:24 SAST 2010
Greetings all
Please see below the start of a discussion regarding the establishment
of an African Astronomical Society. All the information we have so far
is contained in a White Paper prepared by Prof Pius Okeke from the
Centre for Basic Space Science in Nigeria (text below). We would like to
hear your opinions about this proposed society.
Feel free to write to me or discuss amongst yourselves and send me a
consolidated email. It would be great if you could join the skype
conference next week (details below). We also intend to set up a
discussion webpage soon.
Currently the plan, as far as I know, is to launch this society in
December so your input at the soonest would be invaluable.
Regards
Kevin
0824878466
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [Africa Astronomy] African Astronomical Society and next Skype
Conference
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:54:22 +0200
From: Kevin Govender <kg at saao.ac.za>
To: africalist <africalist at astronomy2009.org.za>
CC: Pius Okeke <okekepius at yahoo.com>, eastafrica at astronomy2009.org.za,
westafrica at astronomy2009.org.za
Greetings all
There have been a number of discussions going on in various circles
about the formation of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), which
has thus far been driven by Prof Pius Okeke and his team at the Centre
for Basic Space Sciences (CBSS) in Nigeria. Some of the discussions have
been very positive whilst others were less so. This email is to try to
consolidate these discussions and bring everyone onto the same page. If
there are suggestions or concerns, we should address them together so
that at the end of the day all of us involved in developing astronomy in
Africa speak with one voice.
At the outset we should acknowledge the many efforts made thus far by
Prof. Okeke and his team in growing astronomy in Africa. Acknowledgement
must also be made to the many individuals in East Africa who have been
doing great things for astronomy - as well as others all over the
continent - there are far too many people to name but it's important for
everyone on this list to realise that astronomy is steadily gaining
momentum in various ways - and your updates of your development
activities will always be welcome on this list. Together we will build
astronomy in Africa.
I now welcome your comments on the formation of the African Astronomical
Society (AfAS). All the relevant information about the society is
contained in the discussion White Paper kindly prepared by Prof Okeke
which I copy below. Note that this email list
(africalist at astronomy2009.org.za) is now fairly large and in order to
streamline the discussions and reduce the number of emails exchanged I
suggest you send your comments to me by email and I can then send out
one consolidated email to the list.
We would then like to host a Skype conference where discussions arising
from the comments can be addressed through real-time conversation. The
proposed date and time for the Skype conference is Friday 24th September
2010 at 16:00 UT. Skype user "kevindran" will be hosting the conference
- you simply log onto Skype and dial the user "kevindran".
I encourage everyone to come on board and have your say so that we can
all decide together on the way forward. The development of astronomy in
Africa will not be as effective as it could be if we do not speak with
one united voice.
I look forward to receiving your input as soon as possible but ideally
before the Skype conference a week from now.
Regards
Kevin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*_AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY:_*
*_THE QUEST FOR AN ENABLING LAW_*
*__*
*__*
*_WHITEPAPER_*
* In Support of*
*An Act to Establish the African Astronomical Society*
*__*
*I. **_INTRODUCTION_*
In seeking a Charter of incorporation, the African Astronomical Society
(AfAS) wishes to strengthen the effectiveness of its resolve and
commitment to the* *growth, acquisition and dissemination of
astronomical knowledge, and to facilitate the use of astronomy in the
solution of problems of national/international interest.
In this paper, in the effort to address the need and appropriateness of
a Charter for AfAS, attention will be drawn to some aspects of the
development, growth, significance and contributions of astronomical
societies, as learned societies. The paper will also consider, in
particular, the operations/programmes, its relevance and prospects with
regard to national development, as well as its contributions to national
and international astronomy.
*II. **_BACKGROUND_*
*/_Preamble_/*
* * Research and development activities are universally acknowledged as
integral aspects of any process for the production of new systems or for
the upgrading or improvement of existing ones, or for achieving
optimization with regard to their performance. Also, astronomical and
technological research and development activities play a critical role
with regard to the sustainability of industrial effort, especially given
the overwhelming importance of engineering and technology as drivers of
industry.
In this regard, a typical research and development (i.e. R&D) activity
is essentially, an engagement for the systematic investigation into and
study of materials, sources, etc with a view to establishing facts and
hence reaching new conclusions. Alternatively, it may be considered as
an exercise for the discovery of new facts or the collation of existing
data or information, etc, through the scientific study of a subject or
by a process of critical investigation or procedures.
This is particularly true of the vast terrain of astronomy and
technology in which tremendous advances with a multitude of discoveries,
inventions and innovations, along with associated applications, have
brought manifest advantages and improvements to human existence.
Thus, at the launch meeting of African Physical Society (AfPS) that was
held at Dakar Senegal from January 11 -- 16, 2010, it was observed that
African Astronomers have not been moving forward in line with other
astronomers from other countries. Hence it was suggested and agreed that
one way to get African astronomers together as a body. The formation of
such a body will help to initiate collaboration with Astronomers from
other countries, discuss and solve astronomical problems, strengthen
astronomy in Africa, develop astronomy in Africa and initiate astronomy
outreach programmes.
The above considerations help to explain the emergence and general
acceptability of astronomical societies worldwide, over the centuries,
as organizational bodies, usually operating with state financial support
and approval that coordinate scholarly research and development
activities, and standards, in astronomy.
Astronomical societies are formed for a variety of reasons, among the
most important of which are the following:
(a) Production and distribution of knowledge, among astronomers/experts,
based on facts and logical deductions/predictions.
(b) The patriotic imperatives guiding the efforts of the societies
towards contributing to the safety and well-being of the citizenry in
their various countries.
(c) The socio-economic implications of astronomy and its applications.
While the interest of the astronomers/experts may be said to be largely
propelled by (a) and (b), the attention of governments worldwide has
been increasingly attracted by (c), given the acknowledged vital role of
astronomy and technology as drivers of industrial processes and hence
their strategic importance with regard to the economic advancement of
nations.
Indeed, over the years, governments have come to rely increasingly on
demonstrably productive linkages with astronomical societies, to the
extent that even when such learned societies have been established
independently by the expert astronomers, governments have often been
keen to grant them recognition and provide support in the national
interest. Furthermore, in a large number of countries, governments have
generally found it convenient to ensure or facilitate the establishment
of these organizations.
*_III. THE SPREAD AND CHARACTERISTICS OF NATIONAL/REGIONAL ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETIES _*
Any appraisal of the worldwide development of astronomical societies
readily brings into focus their global spread and growing importance.
Thus, of the 192 current member states of the United Nations, over 90 of
them rely on their national or on regional astronomical societies.
Furthermore, the acknowledged relevance of the astronomical societies to
national economic development is reflected in the membership of the
various world economic groupings. For example, each member of both G7,
which is the group of seven of the world's leading economies (i.e.
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States)
and the G8 (which is the G7 together with Russia) relies on the
scientific inputs into governance provided by its national astronomy
society. This society is reciprocally accorded full recognition and
adequate support.
This situation is also reflected in the membership of the newer G20
organization, which is essentially an enlargement of the G8. It consists
of the 20 largest economies of the world (i.e. 19 of the world's largest
economies, together with the European Union (EU)). The 19 nations of the
organization (which provides a forum for cooperation and consultation on
international finance) are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,
France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United
States. All these countries have strong astronomical societies, with the
sole exception of Saudi Arabia.
It is to be observed that the development and growth of the world system
of astronomical societies has been facilitated by the emergence of
global science organizations, as distinct from national bodies. Among
these organizations is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). With
a membership of over 100 astronomical societies worldwide (including
national academies/institutions, as well as regional/global groups of
astronomers), the IAU, being essentially a global network of
astronomical societies, has as its primary objective, the provision of
assistance to member astronomical societies to facilitate their mutual
cooperation, with a view to proffering astronomy advice on national and
critical global issues. The IAU enjoys secure funding for its
operations, provided by member nations.
An important aspect of the global development of astronomical societies
is their worldwide spread which cuts across national/ regional
boundaries, world economic groupings and other interests. Also, as
observed from the membership of the United Nations, this spread is not
restrained by the disparities in the economic strengths of nations.
*CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY*
*i. WHO IS AN AfAS ASTRONOMER?*
An Astronomer is a professional scientist, who does or did research on
celestial bodies and /or the universe as a whole.
ii. *MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION*
An AfAS member must be a PhD /MSc holder, actively involved in astronomy
research
iii. *STUDENTS MEMBERSHIP*
An AfAS student member must be an undergraduate /or graduate student in
the area of astronomy.
iv. *METHOD OF ADMISSION*
A new member shall be recommended by the coordinator of astronomy in
his/her country of residence.
On the recommendation, the council shall consider and approve his/her
membership.
*IV. VISION STATEMENT*
1. To grow the astronomical profession in Africa to a highly recognized
international level.
2. Specifically, the purpose of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS)
is to organize and network the community of African research
astronomers, to advocate for more resources for astronomy research, to
grow the number of African astronomers doing research at African-based
telescopes, and to better bridge the African astronomy community to the
global astronomical community.
*STRUCTURE*
AfAS shall consists of;
a). "The General Assembly", comprising all members, which is the highest
authority of the society,
b). "The Executive council (EXCO)" which shall comprise of the following:
i. The President who shall be the Chair of the EXCO.
ii. The Vice President
iii The Executive Secretary
iv. the Treasurer
v. The Financial Secretary
vi, The National coordinator
It has the responsibility for the administration and general management
of the society, and ensures that the objectives of the society are
actively pursued.
c). committees of the society.
d). "The Secretariat", to be maintained by the society and headed by the
Executive Secretary.
*V. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES*
* *The Society will be established to promote the growth, acquisition
and dissemination of astronomical knowledge, and to facilitate its use
in the solution of major problems of national interest. This is achieved by:
(i)Providing advice on specific problems of astronomical
and technological nature, presented to it by the
government and its agencies, as well as by private
organizations;
(ii) Bringing to the attention of the government and its
agencies problems of national interest that astronomy and technology can
help to solve;
(iii) Establishing and maintaining the highest standards of
astronomical endeavour and achievement in Africa.
*_VI. OPERATIONS OF THE AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY_*
Towards the achievement of its aims and objectives as
summarized in Section V, The Society will engage in a wide range of
programmes, such as:
(a) Publication of journals, discourses, proceedings and
Reports;
(b) Organization of conferences, seminars, workshops and
symposia;
(c) Recognition of outstanding contributions to astronomy and
(d) Development of effective linkages with other national and
international scientific agencies and astronomical societies including,
in particular, engagement on collaborative programmes and projects,
involving the promotion of evidence-based research and development
activities.
Other major activities, including the following:
*(i) Expert Meetings and Workshops:* The Society will provide a neutral
platform to bring together professionals and to stimulate exchange of
ideas on diverse matters of astronomy. The Society serves as astronomy
adviser to government and society.
* (ii) International Conferences: *In line with its vision, mission and
objectives, the Society will participate actively in many conferences of
major global/regional astronomical societies.
* (iii) Scientific Information: *The Society will produce reports,
annals and other related publications. These serve as credible sources
of unbiased astronomical information. The Society will also publish
journals, monographs, abstracts, reviews, directories, etc. In
particular, it will publish highly reputable and prestigious
*Proceedings* in which astronomers may publish the results of recent
research.
*__*
* VII. _CONCLUSION_ *_ _
. This paper has drawn attention to some aspects of the development,
growth, significance and contributions of national astronomical
societies, as learned societies. It has also considered, in particular,
the emergence and activities of the African Astronomical Society, its
relevance and prospects with regard to national development, as well as
its contributions to international astronomy.
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