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<tt>Greetings all<br>
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.<br>
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. <br>
Currently the plan, as far as I know, is to launch this society in
December so your input at the soonest would be invaluable. <br>
Regards<br>
Kevin<br>
0824878466<br>
<br>
<br>
</tt><br>
-------- Original Message --------
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<th align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap" valign="BASELINE">Subject: </th>
<td>[Africa Astronomy] African Astronomical Society and next
Skype Conference</td>
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<th align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap" valign="BASELINE">Date: </th>
<td>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:54:22 +0200</td>
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<tr>
<th align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap" valign="BASELINE">From: </th>
<td>Kevin Govender <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:kg@saao.ac.za"><kg@saao.ac.za></a></td>
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<th align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap" valign="BASELINE">To: </th>
<td>africalist <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:africalist@astronomy2009.org.za"><africalist@astronomy2009.org.za></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="RIGHT" nowrap="nowrap" valign="BASELINE">CC: </th>
<td>Pius Okeke <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:okekepius@yahoo.com"><okekepius@yahoo.com></a>,
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:eastafrica@astronomy2009.org.za">eastafrica@astronomy2009.org.za</a>, <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:westafrica@astronomy2009.org.za">westafrica@astronomy2009.org.za</a></td>
</tr>
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<br>
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<tt>Greetings all<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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
(<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="mailto:africalist@astronomy2009.org.za">africalist@astronomy2009.org.za</a>)
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.<br>
<br>
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".<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
I look forward to receiving your input as soon as possible but ideally
before the Skype conference a week from now.<br>
Regards<br>
Kevin<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</tt>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><span
style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><u><font face="Times New Roman">AFRICAN
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY:</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><u><font face="Times New Roman">THE QUEST
FOR AN ENABLING LAW</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></u></b> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></u></b> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><u><font face="Times New Roman">WHITEPAPER</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>In
Support
of</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"><b style=""><font face="Times New Roman">An Act to
Establish the African Astronomical
Society</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"
align="center"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b
style=""><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></u></b> </p>
<p
style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span
style="">I.<span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style=""><u>INTRODUCTION</u></b></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">In seeking a Charter of
incorporation, the African
Astronomical Society (AfAS) wishes to strengthen the effectiveness of
its
resolve and commitment <span style=""> </span>to the<b style=""> </b>growth,
acquisition
and dissemination
of astronomical knowledge, and to facilitate the use of astronomy in
the
solution of problems of national/international interest.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt -9pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p
style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span
style="">II.<span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style=""><u>BACKGROUND</u></b></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><u><font
face="Times New Roman">Preamble</font></u></i></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b><span
style=""> </span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 8.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span><span style=""> </span>In
this regard, a typical research and development (i.e. R&D) activity
is
essentially, an engagement for the systematic investigation <span
style=""> </span>into and <span style=""> </span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 8.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 8.25pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 8.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.<span style="">
</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>Astronomical societies are formed for a variety of reasons,
among the
most important of which are the following:</font></p>
<p
style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt 55.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">(a)<span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span>Production and distribution of knowledge, among
astronomers/experts, based on facts and logical
deductions/predictions.</font></p>
<p
style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt 55.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">(b)<span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style=""> </span>The patriotic
imperatives guiding the efforts of the societies towards contributing
to the
safety and well-being of the citizenry in their various countries.</font></p>
<p
style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt 55.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">(c)<span
style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span>The socio-economic implications of astronomy and its
applications.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>While the interest of the astronomers/experts may be said to be
largely
propelled by (a) and (b),<span style=""> </span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><font
face="Times New Roman">III. THE
SPREAD AND CHARACTERISTICS OF NATIONAL/REGIONAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETIES
</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 12pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.<span style="">
</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><font
face="Times New Roman">CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><font
face="Times New Roman">i. WHO IS AN
AfAS ASTRONOMER?</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">An
Astronomer is a professional scientist, who does or did research on
celestial
bodies and /or the universe as a whole.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">ii.
<b style="">MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION</b></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">An
AfAS member must be a PhD /MSc holder, actively involved in astronomy
research</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">iii.
<b style="">STUDENTS MEMBERSHIP</b></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">An
AfAS student member must be an undergraduate /or graduate student in
the area of
astronomy.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">iv.
<b style="">METHOD OF ADMISSION</b></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">A
new member shall be recommended by the coordinator of astronomy in
his/her
country of residence.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">On
the recommendation, the council shall consider and approve his/her
membership.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b
style=""><font face="Times New Roman">IV. VISION
STATEMENT</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">1.
To grow the astronomical profession in Africa to a highly recognized
international level.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">2. Specifically, the purpose of the African
Astronomical
Society (AfAS) is to<span style=""> </span>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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><font
face="Times New Roman">STRUCTURE</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">AfAS
shall consists of;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">a).
“The General Assembly”, comprising all members, which is the highest
authority
of the society,</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">b).
“The Executive council (EXCO)” which shall comprise of the following:</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">i.
The President who shall be the Chair of the EXCO.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">ii.
The Vice President</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">iii
The Executive Secretary</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">iv.
the Treasurer</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">v.
The Financial Secretary</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">vi,
The National coordinator</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">It has the responsibility for the
administration and
general management of the society, and ensures that the objectives of
the
society are actively pursued.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">c). committees of the society.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">d). “The Secretariat”, to be maintained by the
society
and headed by the Executive Secretary.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b
style=""><font face="Times New Roman">V. AIMS AND
OBJECTIVES</font></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span
style="">
</span></b>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:</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 53.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman">(i)Providing advice on
specific
problems of astronomical</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>and technological nature, presented to it by the</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>government and its agencies, as well as by private</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>organizations;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>(ii)
Bringing
to
the attention of the government and its</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>agencies problems of national interest that astronomy and
technology can
help to solve;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>(iii) Establishing and maintaining the highest standards of</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>astronomical
endeavour
and
achievement in Africa.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><font face="Times New Roman">VI.
OPERATIONS OF THE AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 44.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>Towards
the
achievement of its aims and
objectives as </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">summarized in Section V, The
Society will engage in a wide range of programmes, such as:</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 12pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>(a)<span style=""> </span>Publication of journals,
discourses, proceedings and</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>Reports;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>(b)
Organization
of conferences,
seminars, workshops and</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="">
</span>symposia;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>(c)
Recognition
of outstanding
contributions to astronomy and</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>(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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; text-align: justify;"
class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman">Other major activities, including the
following:</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><font
face="Times New Roman"><b>(i) Expert Meetings and Workshops:</b> 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.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><font
face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span style=""> </span>(ii)
International Conferences: </b>In
line with its vision,<span style="">
</span>mission and objectives, the Society will participate actively in
many
conferences of major global/regional astronomical societies. </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><b><span style=""> </span>(iii)
Scientific Information: </b>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 <b>Proceedings</b> in which astronomers may publish
the results
of recent research.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span
style=""><font face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b
style=""><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></u></b> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><b style=""><span style="">
</span>VII. <u>CONCLUSION</u> </b><u> </u></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span>.<span style="">
</span>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.<span style="">
<br>
</span></font></p>
</span></div>
<br>
<tt><br>
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