Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 132, 65-81

Astronomy-related organizations over the world

A. Heck

Send offprint request: A. Heck

Observatoire Astronomique, 11 rue de l'Université, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
e-mail: heck@astro.u-strasbg.fr

Received March 31; accepted April 6, 1998

Abstract:

The geographical distribution of astronomy-related organizations is illustrated from comprehensive and up-to-date samples. Results for professional institutions, for public observatories, for planetariums, and for associations are commented and compared to an earlier study involving only observational locations (observing and receiving stations). Specific distributions of astronomy-related publishers and software producers are also illustrated.

There is a reinforcement of the tendencies pointed out in the previous study with very high densities in Europe and Northeastern U.S.A. Comments are offered on specific concentrations and national differences. It is also clear that numerous institutions and associations are not involved in direct observing. The astronomy-related publishers and software producers are interestingly concentrated in only a few places.

Key words: sociology of astronomy -- astronomical datbases: miscellaneous