Astronomy is a field concerned with matters very distant from Earth. Most phenomena, whether observed or theorized, transcend human spaces and timescales by orders of magnitude. Yet, many scientists have been interested not just in the events that have occurred millennia before Earth's inception, but also in their very own society here and now.

Since the first half of the twentieth century, an increasing number of them have pursued parallel careers as both academics and activists. Besides publishing peer-reviewed papers, they have promoted a great variety of underrepresented groups within their discipline. Through conferences, newsletters and social media, they have sought to advance the interests of women, members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, and disabled people. While these activists have differed in the identities they focus on, they have come to share a conviction that diversity and inclusion are crucial for scientific excellence as well as social justice.

In this book, you will read of the biographies and institutional contexts of key agents in the diversification of modern astronomy. As most are recent figures whose discoveries have not been commemorated by Nobel Prizes, they are relatively unknown among historians of science. They have, however, been central to discussions about who has privileged access to the tools of astronomical inquiry, including powerful telescopes and extensive databases. As such, they have also significantly shaped views of our universe.

Tells the modern history of the movement that has sought to make astronomy more diverse and inclusive Shares important lessons and context for how the space industry can be made more equitable and just Provides fascinating insights into the lives and work of leading scientists and activists from around the world

Autorentext
Jörg Matthias Determann is Professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. He is the author of four books including Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life and Space Science and the Arab World. He has also written for journals like Science and Nature Astronomy.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: A more diverse universe.- Chapter 2: Visas and vistas.- Chapter 3: Binary stars.- Chapter 4: Visible Spectrum.- Chapter 5: Stairway to heaven.- Chapter 6: Decolonizing space.