International co-operation in astronomy

Abstract

Scientific co-operation between the nations is found already in Antiquity and the Middle Ages and has proved a strong stimulus to the development of astronomy. Different forms of modern international co-operation in astronomy may be distinguished: (1) co-ordinated observations at widely separated stations; (2) collective achievement of a great amount of work; (3) creation of international centres; (4) unification of notations and terminology. The increasing need for co-operation in astronomy was the reason for the constitution of international bodies, among which the I.A.U. acquired the greatest importance; the history of the Union shows that scientific co-operation must be kept outside political implications. International meetings, colloquia, travels, and exchanges should be encouraged. The introduction of an auxiliary international language would be highly desirable. International co-operation is a necessary complement to the national development of science.