Astronomy and Public Policy

AST 220: Astronomy and Public Policy

The fundamental goal of astronomy and astrophysics is to understand how the universe and its constituent galaxies, stars, and planets form and evolve, and what their destiny will be. In this country, astronomical research is supported almost entirely by the US government, i.e. by tax dollars. In this course we will examine how scientists, and astronomers in particular, interact with the legislative and executive branches of the government, where the goal of advancing scientific knowledge must be balanced against competing priorities for the national agenda. We will take up several case studies that focus on astronomical topics that have implications for society. The cases for Spring 2003 are Killer Asteroids and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. What is the scientific case behind these issues and how should our society respond?

Syllabus (Spring 2004)

Homeworks and Group Projects

Science and Society

What is the rationale for federal support of scientific research, in particular astronomy? What fraction of the federal budget goes to basic science? To astronomy? What federal agencies support astronomy and what is their mission?

How do scientists interact with policymakers in Congress and the White House? How are scientific priorities established? How is the budget allocated? How/when do scientists bring issues to the attention of policy makers? How/when do policy makers seek information from scientists?

Astronomical Case Studies

Advancing Scientific Knowledge

Mission to Pluto (Science and Policy makers)

The Vision for Space Exploration

Evaluating the Moon-Mars Initiative

Science versus Society

Mauna Kea Observatory

Science Influencing Society

Case 1: The threat of killer asteroids

Case 2: The Search for Life in the Universe