AstroView

Engima of a UK Space Agency

Finally, after decades of indecision, the UK finally has its own Space Agency. But what is the role of this new organisation, and how will it impact the current funding councils in the UK and in particular the Science and Technology Facilities Council responsible for the UK astronomy programme.
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Death Knell for UK Astronomy?

The recent confirmation by the UK funding council (STFC) of a sharp reduction in funding for astronomy and particle physics has not only created a lot of ill feeling, but is seen perhaps as the end of practical astronomy research in the UK. In order to see if this is really true the cuts must be viewed in context and the appropriate conclusions drawn.
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Not so Blue Marble

The famous Apollo 17 image of the Earth created a new very of our world and coined a new phrase of Blue Marble. Had the night side been observed, however, a more apt expression would be Orange Marble.
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What did Apollo Accomplish?

Forty years ago man first set foot on the Moon. In the euphoria of the time some commentators went so far as to proclaim a redefinition of the calendar based on the historic event. Yet today a whole generation has grown up without man's exploration of space extending beyond low-Earth orbit.
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On the Edge of a Vast Ocean

Global astronomy stands in a unique position in history. Just 400 years after Galileo first turned a telescope towards the heavens, professional astronomers will, in the next few years, have an array of ground based and space based telescopes that will cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum in unprecedented detail.
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Inspiring a Community

For countless generations humans have gazed upon the heavens in awe and wonder. This paper considers approaches in effective communication to groups that have formed, for whatever reason, to learn about astronomy and the night sky. Inspiring small communities is a step on the path to ensure the wider public value astronomy. Achieving this makes it easier to obtain support and acceptance for expansive, and sometimes expensive, programmes.
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