Visions for Antarctic Astronomy
Astronomy is now an established part of the Antarctic science
scene,
whose investigation forms a core part of the programs being conducted
on the Antarctic plateau. At South Pole an impressive range of
facilities are now in operation, and at Dome C the first facilities
have been commissioned. Where should Antarctic astronomy now go?
Which fields have most to gain from Antarctica and what science can
best conducted from the high plateau? What facilities should now be
built? Should Dome A form a part of future endeavours?
We invite you to present your visions for Antarctica at this meeting,
which will provide an opportunity for a free-wheeling discussion on
the future directions for Antarctic astronomy. The meeting
accompanies Special Session 2 (Astronomy in Antarctica) taking at the
IAU General Assembly, but is separate from it (and has separate
registration). SPS2 provides a look at where Antarctic astronomy is
today, whereas this meeting looks towards its future. It will be held
the following day, Saturday July 19, at Taronga Zoo, a spectacular
location beside Sydney Harbour, accessed by ferry from the centre of
Sydney.
Visions for Antarctic Astronomy will discuss the future of Antarctic
astronomy. If you would like to share your blue sky visions for this
future at the meeting please please also submit an abstract for a
short talk with your registration. We will be choosing a few talks
from these abstracts to accompany the invited presentations, as well
as providing time at the meeting for an open discussion on their
merits.
The meeting will also include a one-hour session devoted to formation
of the AAA Expert
Group and PASTA
Working Group of SCAR.
All astronomers are welcome to attend and to register for these two groups.