About the Commission

The aims of the Commission for Astronomy are:

• the coordination of scientific exchange and cooperation on research on Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Physics
• the transfer of scientific knowledge to the public via Public Outreach

The coordination with and scientific exchange with national institutions (e.g. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Astronomie und Astrophysik ÖGAA) as well as with international institutions and unions (e.g. International Astronomical Union IAU, Astronomische Gesellschaft AG, Astronomy & Astrophysics A&A, European Association for Solar Telescopes EAST) shall be maintained and intensified.

The Commission for Astronomy aims to establish a collaborative network built on Austrian expertise in Astro- and Space Physics, namely, the groups of Astrophysics of the University of Vienna, Astro- and Particle Physics of the University of Innsbruck, Astrophysics of the University of Graz (IGAM), Space Research of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Graz, and of Lithospheric Research of the University of Vienna.

Public outreach and science communication (media, educational institutions, Littrow Lectures, ‘Science goes School’) is part of the mission of the Commission.

Historic background

The Astronomical Commission was founded on March 3, 1967, by the ‘Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftlichen Klasse’ (Section of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences) and renamed on October 15, 1992 in Commission for Astronomy. First head of the Commission was K. Ferrari d'Occhiepo, w.M. (*9.12.1907 – ✝18.3.2007). The Commission for Astronomy is an advisory board in the Section of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences. The Commission was closed as of 31.12.2012.

The foundation of the Commission for Astronomy took place at the constitutive meeting on May 22, 2013, with new members and under a new chair. The Commission for Astronomy is still inside the Section of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

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