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Astronomy and Technical Progress

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Astronomy at the Frontiers of Science

Part of the book series: Integrated Science & Technology Program ((ISTP,volume 1))

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Abstract

Astronomy is perhaps the best example of fundamental research aiming at increasing our knowledge well beyond our human neighborhood. But astronomy is also a Big Science, which is partly technology-driven. Progress in observational capabilities is due to progress in detectors, telescopes, satellites, etc. In the first part, we remind of the use of astronomy in the past. Then, we use several examples to describe the complex interactions between astronomy, technology development and industry in the modern world. We conclude by a short description of the global economic impact of astronomy.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    1For a more detailed description see [12, 13, 17].

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Correspondence to James Lequeux .

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Lequeux, J., Vigroux, L. (2011). Astronomy and Technical Progress. In: Lasota, JP. (eds) Astronomy at the Frontiers of Science. Integrated Science & Technology Program, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1658-2_7

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