The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has published a new booklet From Medicine to Wi-Fi; Technical Applications of Astronomy to Society, detailing developments in astronomy that have permeated throughout modern-day life. The practical uses of astronomy are not always obvious, but the field has had an impact reaching well beyond observing the night sky.

Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology; the quest to answer fundamental questions pushes engineers to new levels and drives innovation. It is for this reason that the IAU’s strategic plan emphasises technology and skills, science and research, and culture and society. This booklet highlights some of the technical applications that have been supported and driven by astronomy research and development. It demonstrates that, from medicine to airport security, astronomy plays an integral role in many aspects of our daily lives.

This booklet is available for translation. Please send the final, proofread booklet in PDF format to Bethany Downer.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 13 500 professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Links

• Booklet From Medicine to Wi-Fi; Technical Applications of Astronomy to Society (v.1.1 24.10.2019)
• Adobe Indesign Source file for translations (ZIP file, 1.63 GB)

Contacts

Bethany Downer
IAU100 Secretariat, Leiden University
Leiden, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 71 527 8445
Email: downer@mail.strw.leidenuniv.nl

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 320 06 761
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org