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ESO and European astronomy: four decades of reciprocity
Author(s) -
Sterken C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
astronomische nachrichten
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.394
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1521-3994
pISSN - 0004-6337
DOI - 10.1002/1521-3994(200212)323:6<555::aid-asna555>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - observatory , allotment , telescope , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , astronomy , physics , presentation (obstetrics) , geography , political science , sociology , social science , medicine , ecology , radiology , biology
This paper describes and discusses some key facts in the early history of the European Southern Observatory: the founding phase leading to the establishment of the “nucleus” of telescopes in Chile, the role and impact of the “parallel line” of national telescopes, the mission of ESO and the impact of the organisation as a maecenas to European astronomy. With specific focus on the foundation of A & A as a refereed journal foregoing page charges, the support of national telescopes of all classes, the allotment of telescope time on the sole basis of proposal quality, the free travel and technical support, the free distribution of “The Messenger”, the development and free distribution of MIDAS, and the personal dedication of some early foster persons.