[Previous] | [Session 95] | [Next]
A. K. Dupree (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)
As the AAS begins a second century, the profession of astronomy and astrophysics has never looked better. Challenging unsolved problems, increasing technical capabilities, enthusiastic students, and an interested public spell attractive scientific opportunity. That is why many of us have come to be astronomers. Yet the future also promises both scientific and societal surprises. There are unmistakable signs of change - in our science, our responsibilities, the surrounding fiscal environment, and our professional society. We are developing a broadened vision of the goals and accomplishments of our profession. This is good, but we need to do more. A healthy scientific community must recognize both changing science and societal environment in order to make the future more productive than the past.
If the author provided an email address or URL for general inquiries, it is a
s follows: