Reconstructing the astronomical heritage
Abstract
Studies of the astronomical heritage can deal with the ancient astronomical knowledge, traditions and myths, as well as with old instruments and observatories. It is urgent to work for their recovery, before they are definitely forgoten, lost or destroyed. On the cultural side, the Joint ALMA Observatory is sponsoring the study of the local cosmology and sky of the indigenous people living in the region where ALMA is currently being build. In the case of ancient instruments, several success stories already exist, the most recent one being the reconstruction of the Madrid 25ft Herschel telescope. Examples of notable instruments pending reconstruction are listed.
- Publication:
-
The Role of Astronomy in Society and Culture
- Pub Date:
- June 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1743921311002766
- Bibcode:
- 2011IAUS..260..510P
- Keywords:
-
- Culture;
- heritage;
- Herschel;
- observatories;
- telescopes