A4 – Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy

Description

Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy deals primarily with the general dynamics of N-body systems, with applications stretching from orbital mechanics of artificial satellites to galactic dynamics. Although it constitutes one of the oldest fields in astronomy, it is constantly reinvigorated by new discoveries and problems. These are widespread and include (among many others) extrasolar planets, asteroids and KBOs, NEOs and space debris, low-energy interplanetary trajectories, etc.

The main objective of the present commission is to support research and educational activities in the broad field of dynamical astronomy. These include: treatments of the mathematical, physical and computational aspects of planetary theory, perturbation theory, resonance models, chaos and diffusion, stability criteria, orbital and space mechanics, ring systems, tidal models, galactic dynamics, non-gravitational forces, and computer languages for analytical developments.

During the present period (2015-2018), we hope to support the following activities:

Propose, facilitate, and support scientific meetings, in particular the IAU Symposia, on Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, and on its applications to various dynamical problems;
Promote a Summer School on Celestial Mechanics, to be held every 3 years, following the example of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, held in Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) in the 1980s and 1990s. This school will include both theoretical topics as well as their application to astronomical problems. As was the case with the Cortina meetings, these schools have proven to provide excellent opportunities for the education and training of young researchers in both theory of general dynamics (especially analytical methods) as well as the current astronomical problems.
Maintain fruitful cooperation with other fields of science such as applied mathematics, mathematical physics, geophysics, space sciences, etc., whose research is often applicable to astronomical problems.

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Commission Members (192)

Under Division

Division A Fundamental Astronomy
Division F Planetary Systems and Bioastronomy

President

Cristian Beaugé

Observatorio Astronómico
Laprida 854
Barrio Observatorio
Córdoba 5000
Córdoba
Argentina

Phone: +54 351 433 1064
Fax: +54 351 433 1063
Email 1: beaugeoacuncoredu
Email 2: beaugemailoacuncoredu
Organization website: http://www.oac.uncor.edu/