PDA

View Full Version here: : I.A.U. CAP Journal : January 2009


Enchilada
31-01-2009, 04:39 AM
I just download the latest CAP e-Journal Issue 5 - January 2009, "Communicating Astronomy with the Public", which I have subscribed to since its inception. http://www.capjournal.org/issues/05/lowres.pdf

This free on-line journal is a quarterly publication that is design for communicators or those educating others in astronomy, and also has much information useful to amateurs. This is formally produced by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The latest 5th issue of CAP is quite exceptional quality, with the following illuminating articles;

1. "Neighbourhood Watch: Solar System Exploration during 2009" by Emily Lakdawalla
2. "It Is not Just a Theory, It Is a Theory!" by Wallace Tucker
- A must read!
3 . "Astrology and Astronomy: From Conjunction to Opposition" by Daniel Kunth
- A really good article on astrology and some statistical information regarding belief in astrology and related subjects. Here they state; 26% in France believe in astrology while one-third of these use horoscopes in their lives, 41% believe the explanation of the astrological signs, and 13% of people have consulted an astrologer! Also three graphs appear on pg.13, finding 56% of woman and 34% of men believe in astrology. More than 50% of school teachers believe in astrology and 66% in the paranormal. However the real worry is another quote on pg.14.

"Statistically, a belief in astrology increases with a declared interest in science, peaking among the salaried middle class holding an intermediate-level degree, then lessens among those with a postgraduate education (notably among scientistsmodern societies.",and is caused; "...due to the rich and symbolic lexicon of astrology; a birth chart can be interpreted in so many ways as to make impartial and unequivocal analysis impossible."
They conclude; "Astrology seduces timelessly, not because it carries the scientific weight of fact or provable hypothesis, but because it places the appearance of order upon an unknowable future. The unbridled-commercial exploitation of those seeking answers by those adept at the manipulation of a complex lexicon and a societal need for stability can only be condemned"
Sacre bleu!

And for those interesting in imaging or drawing deep-sky objects;

4. "Capturing Heaven" by Greg Martin ; and
5. "Visualising Astronomy: “Other Worlds” "By Ryan Wyatt

6. The "ASTRONET: Public Outreach" article, which details about public communication and how the IAU (and other related organisations) should disseminate information on astronomy.

Two versions are available ; low resoultion 6.38Mb and high 607 Mb!!
The low-res is at; http://www.capjournal.org/issues/05/lowres.pdf
Index Page http://www.capjournal.org/issues/05/index.php

Previous issues see; http://www.capjournal.org/issues/index.php

You can freely subscribe, or visit this page every now and then for updates.

I would be interested other people's opinions about this publication.

spacezebra
31-01-2009, 07:12 AM
Many thanks for posting this. Border Stargaze (http://asaw.org.au)is committed to outreach activities as part of the overall Star Party, and this would be extremely useful.

Again, many thanks
Petra d.

Enchilada
31-01-2009, 10:11 AM
Pleased to hear that. Make sure you tell us how successful the event was, please! :)
Cheers