IAU Working Group for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture
An inter-commission WG in IAU Divisions C3 and C4
Brief Overview
The IAU Working Group for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture (WGAAC) is a discussion group for researchers in Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture, and for researchers in astronomy with an interest in this topic. Its primary motivation is to facilitate interactions (e.g. meetings, wiki, etc) between these researchers.
Motivation
The Working Group for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture (WGAAC), which is part of Commissions C3 and C4 of the IAU (International Astronomical Union), is the focal point within the IAU for the vigorous research field of "Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture". This field is already serviced by non-IAU organisations (see links below) such as ISAAC, SEAC, and SIAC but the IAU WGAAC builds focus on this area within mainstream astronomy, to:
- Promote the research area, and facilitate interactions with other IAU members and groups,
- Facilitate interactions between researchers in this field and projects such as SKA, which is actively promoting Indigenous Astronomy in Australia and South Africa to engage the community in the SKA project (see e.g. the Shared Sky exhibition)
- Facilitate interactions between researchers in this field and IAU initiatives in Outreach and in Astronomy for the Developing World,
- Facilitate interactions between researchers in this field, such as the proposed splinter meeting at the 2015 IAU GA,
- Facilitate engagement in this research area by IAU members who are not currently members of ISAAC, SEAC, or SIAC
As well as facilitating interactions between research in this field and other IAU bodies and initiatives, we will also build strong links between the WG and ISAAC, SEAC, and SIAC. A focal point for the WG will be an actively maintained web site and wiki, to promote on-line discussions continuing from the IAU General Assembly meetings. The Working Group will initially be established for 3 years, and its impact will be measured against the goals listed above at the next IAU GA in 2018. Membership is open to any bonafide researcher in the field, as defined here.
Current Status
Unfortunately we were unable to hold our planned inaugural meeting at the IAU GA in Hawaii, so our WG didn't get off to a good start. So things are quiet at the moment. I hope we can revitalise it shortly.
Links to other cultural astronomy organisations:
Forthcoming Meetings
More Information
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