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(meteorobs) Fw: RUSSIAN NEO RESEARCHERS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
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> From: Benny J Peiser <B.J.PEISER@livjm.acdot uk>
> To: cambridge-conference@livjm.acdot uk
> Subject: RUSSIAN NEO RESEARCHERS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
> Date: Monday, March 02, 1998 9:03 AM
>
> CAMBRIDGE-CONFERENCE, 2 MARCH 1998
> ----------------------------------
>
> RUSSIAN ROULETTE: ANOTHER NEO RESEARCH INSTITUTE FACES THE AXE
>
>
> From: Andrej G.Sokolsky" <sokolsky@ita.spb.su>
> Director of Institute of Theoretical Astronomy of the
> Russian Academy of Science
>
> Date: 27.02.98
>
> Dear Colleagues
>
> As you probably know, a reform of science is now in progress in
> this country. One of its aims, if not the most important, is to
> reduce the expenditures for science. This task is solved in the
> way peculiar to the state bureaucracy, that is, by reducing all
> to the same level, without taking into account the consequences
> of their actions. One of the probable victims of such policy is
> the ITA. There are plain evidences that the staff of the
> Institute will be substantially reduced, whereupon the Institute
> will be amalgamated with one of the other astronomical institutes
> in St.Petersburg, probably with the Institute of Applied
> Astronomy (in fact, radio astronomy institute in VLBI field). In
> any case it means substantial loss for those researches which are
> now conducted in ITA. Espessially in the fields of Celestial
> Mechanics and Ephemeridial Astronomy (in particular monitoring of
> NEOs in our Krimean division - the director of IPA wants to
> refuse from this problem as not the main problem for IPA). I am
> not sure that the publication of Ephemerides of Minor Planets
> will be continue on the necessary level. And so on.
>
> Clearly defined estimation of ITA's contribution to
> specific aries of science and support of its subsequent activity
> are very important for us in this connection. A number of our
> colleagues (copies of some letters are given in supplement) have
> applied to the authorities of the Russian Academy of Sciences
> with letters of supporting ITA.
>
> If you divide opinion about desirability of continuation of
> ITA's activity I kindly ask you to send expression of your
> opinion by FAX at the address of the President of Russian Academy
> of Sciences academician Yu. Osipov (+7-095-954-3320) and the
> address of Chief of Department of General Phisics and Astronomy
> of RAS academician A.Bojarchuk (+7-095-938-1714). Your assistance
> will be of great importance for us (please, do not forget to
> indicate your official position, and position in IAU and to
> discribe our joint works during many last years).
>
> If it is possible please send me copy by e-mail or fax.
>
> May be it possible to organize some others supports by known
> celestial mechanicians (with good positions!).
>
>
> I look forward to your help.
> With kind personal regards
>
> Director of Institute of
> Theoretical Astronomy of RAS Andrej G. Sokolsky
>
>
> SUPPLEMENT
>
> **************************************************************
>
> Dear Academician Yurij Osipov,
> It has come to my attention that the world-renowned Institute
> for Theoretical Astronomy will be losing its identity by being absorbed
> in the Institute for Applied Astronomy.
> I am a retired celestial mechanician who was Editor-in-Chief
> of the Journal "Celestial Mechanics" from 1985 to 1989 (since 1990 it
> has been known as "Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy). I
> also had the pleasure of visiting the Institute in 1970 when the
> Institute sponsored a week-long symposium in celestial mechanics under
> the aegis of
> the International Astronomical Union. I received my Ph.D. in Astronomy
> with a specialty in Celestial Mechanics in 1950 and thus have been in
> close touch with the field for almost half a century. I mention these
> facts so you will know what my credentials in the area are.
> The Institute for Theoretical Astronomy has for its whole
> existence had an outstanding reputation as one of the premier
> international centers in the field of celestial mechanics, dynamical
> astronomy and, in more recent years, space-related science. My former
> professor, Dirk Brouwer, set up a Center for Celestial Mechanics at
> Yale University which had close ties with all the centers of the world,
> in particular, with the Institute for Theoretical Astronomy.
> It is my sincere belief that the absorption of the Institute
> in the Institute for Applied Astronomy would be a great misfortune. It
> would remove one of the finest centers in the world from visibility and
> the field, in my judgment, would greatly suffer.
> The Institute for Theoretical Astronomy did a great deal of
> important research in providing the basis for so much of the success of
> the Space Effort, not only for the Former Soviet Union and Russia
> today, but also for the great successes in my own country. Its role
> can continue unhampered if it continues to exist in the strong
> institution known as the Institute for Theoretical Astronomy, and
> renowned the world over for its most important contributions to this
> science.
> I urge you strongly to give the Institute for Theoretical
> Astronomy the opportunity to continue to flourish and grow. It would
> be a great benefit to your country, my country and the world.
>
> Morris S. Davis
> Morehead Professor of Astronomy (Emeritus)
> University of North Carolina
> Department of Physics and Astronomy
> Phillips Hall CB #3255
> Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3255
> USA
>
> Internet Address msd@uncdot edu
>
> **************************************************************
> Academician Yurij Osipov
> President, Russian Academy of Sciences
> Moscow, Russia
>
> Dear Academician Osipov:
>
> I understand that there is a proposal to eliminate the Institute
> for Theoretical Astronomy in St Petersburg as an autonomous institute
> of the Russian Academy of Sciences. I have had contact with scientists
> from the Institute for Theoretical Astronomy (ITA), from Pulkovo
> Observatory (GAO), and from the Institute of Applied Astronomy (IPA)
> over the past 30 years. My remarks do not pertain to any personnel in
> particular, but rather to my perception of the concept and mission of
> the three institutions.
>
> Through collaborative efforts organized via the International
> Astronomical Union (IAU) I have had opportunity to become acquainted
> with the strengths and areas of expertise of each of the above-named
> institutions. It would seem to me that the basic astronomical research
> conducted at Pulkovo Observatory, coupled with the applied work in
> astronomy and geodesy conducted at the Institute of Applied Astronomy
> are both advanced by the theoretical investigations conducted at the
> Institute for Theoretical Astronomy. In short, each of the three
> institutions contributes to advancing our scientific knowledge and they
> mesh nicely together in their areas of expertise.
>
> The Institute for Theoretical Astronomy is known for its work with
> minor planets and for its publication of their ephemerides, as well as
> Russian almanacs. It also makes significant contributions to the
> development of mathematical techniques in defining the motions of
> planets and satellites. ITA also has played a significant role in the
> past in development of computer algorithms for processing astronomical
> observations as well as for generating ephemerides of astronomical
> objects.
>
> Since its organization by B.V. Numerov in 1919 as the Leningrad
> Astronomical Institute, the Institute for Theoretical Astronomy has
> played a significant role in assisting the development of scientific
> investigations in astronomy at Pulkovo and in applied problems such as
> geodesy at IPA.
>
> I am certainly an outsider and not aware of all the pressures and
> constraints on the Russian Academy with regard to the institute and its
> personnel. From my perspective, however, it would seem that the three
> institutes of GAO, ITA and IPA do form a cohesive whole whose overall
> contributions might be diminished if ITA were absorbed by either of the
> other two institutions.
>
> Sincerely,
> Jay H. Lieske
> Senior Research Scientist
> Jet Propulsion Laboratory
> California Institute of Technology
> Pasadena, California USA
>
> e-mail: jhl@chives.jpl.nasadot gov
>
> **************************************************************
> Fri Feb 20 12:21:18 1998
> From: Tom Gehrels <tgehrels@lpl.arizonadot edu>
> To: root@kos.ips.ras.ru
> Subject: For Academician Yurij Osipov, President RAS
>
> Dear Academician Osipov,
>
> This e-mail letter is to ask your support for continued independent
> existence of the Institute for Theoretical Astronomy, not to be
> absorbed by the Institute of Applied Astronomy.
>
> I am a senior astronomer in the field of studying comets and asteroids,
> in which I have cooperated with ITA since 1957. In that year ITA
> provided on short notice the essential ephemerides of Trojan asteroids
> for a scientific expedition by Indiana University to South Africa
> (Astron. J. 62, 244, 1957). We collaborated closely for establishment
> of the new asteroid magnitude system for the International Astronomical
> Union (Trans. I.A.U. 10, 305, 1958). We have kept the collaborations
> active through following years, without interruption notwithstanding
> turbulent times.
>
> I fear that loss of ITA identity and independence may do great harm to
> its successful programs in Ephemeris Astronomy, Theoretical Astronomy,
> Celestial Mechanics, Stellar Dynamics, Space Geodesy, and in Physical
> and Mathematical Geodesy.
>
> In fact, the ITA scientists who are the representatives of these
> scientific fields should be rewarded for their sustained excellence
> over the years. Their view on this decision seems the most important
> to be taken into account because they are among the very best in the
> world.
>
> Please keep me posted on this important issue.
>
> Sincerely yours,
> Tom Gehrels
> Professor
> tgehrels@lpl.arizonadot edu
>
> **************************************************************
> Mon Feb 23 11:28:09 1998
> From: "Alan W. Harris" <awharris@lithos.jpl.nasadot gov>
> Subject: Future of ITA
>
> Dear Academician Osipov,
>
> I have been informed by Victor Abalakin of the Pulkovo Observatory that
> there is some consideration being given to eliminating the Institute
> for Theoretical Astronomy by amalgamating it with the Institute of
> Applied Astronomy. I am writing to express my opposition to such a
> plan, as it would likely result in a reduction in support, or at least
> in priority, given to the minor planet ephemeris work which is carried
> out by the ITA, which is a very important and visible contribution to
> the international astronomical community. I can further note that with
> the tremendous increase in the rate of discovery and cataloging of
> minor planets, the work of this institute is becoming greater and more
> important, not less, with time. I urge you to do whatever is possible
> to keep the ITA an independant institute with sufficient support to
> carry out their essential works.
>
> Sincerely yours,
>
> Alan Harris
> Past-President, IAU Comm. 15,
> "Physical Studies of Comets, Minor Planets and Meteorites"
>
> **************************************************************
>
> From: ma@astro.umddot edu
> Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 16:24:45 -0500 (EST)
> To: root@kos.ips.ras.ru
> Cc: Donald.K.Yeomans@jpl.nasadot gov, I.P.Williams@qmw.acdot uk,
> debergh@mesiob.obspm.fr, hans@astro.uu.se, ja@astro.ku.dk,
> leinert@mpia-hd.mpgdot de, ma@astro.umddot edu,
> marov@spp.keldysh.ru, msh@jplsc8.span.nasadot gov,
> msh@scn1.jpl.nasadot gov,phys051@cscdot canterbury.ac.nz,
> rcolomb@irmadot edu.ar, sbowyer@ssldot berkeleydot edu,
> tarter@vger.seti-instdot edu, zappala@to.astrodot it
>
> Subject: I.T.A.
>
> Dear Academician Osipov,
>
> I have learned recently of plans to abolish the Institute for
> Theoretical Astronomy in St. Petersburg and to merge the staff
> with that of the Institute for Applied Astronomy. I understand
> the financial pressures under which you are operating but I wish to
> express my concern about the future of certain activities needed
> by the international astronomical community that are currently
> carried out at the ITA.
>
> The ITA divides with the Minor Planet Center located at the
> Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory the tasks of keeping track
> of all the minor planets in our solar system. This division of
> tasks has been maintained now for decades and these are the only
> two insitutions in the world which do keep track of the orbits
> and positions of the minor planets for the benefit of all other
> astronomers. Any loss of these activities from the ITA will have
> a great impact on astronomers worldwide since the Minor Planet
> Center would be very hard pressed to pick up the portion of the
> work now done at ITA.
>
> I note also that the rate of discovery of minor planets is
> steadily increasing, particularly through the efforts of organized
> searches for Near-Earth objects which might eventually be
> hazardous to Earth. Thus the type of acitivities carried out
> at ITA are becoming more important as time goes on.
>
> I urge you to consider carefully the impact on astronomy in
> general of the closure or merger of ITA. Thank you very much for
> your consideration.
>
> Michael F. A'Hearn
> President, IAU Division III
> Planetary System Sciences
>
> cc: Division III Executive Committee
> J. Anderson, IAU General Secretary
>
> **************************************************************
> Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 14:18:17 +0100 (MET)
> From: scholl@obs-nice.fr (Hans SCHOLL)
> Message-Id: <199802251318.OAA00515@purcell.obs-nice.fr>
> To: sokolsky@ita.spb.su
> Subject: support letter
> Lines: 62
>
>
> Dear Andrej,
>
> I send you a copy of my letter to Academician Osipov to support ITA.
>
> Bon courage
> Hans
>
>
>
> Academician Yurij Osipov
> President, Russian Academy of Sciences
> Moscow, Russia
>
> Dear Academician Yurij Osipov:
>
> It came to my attention to discontinue the world-renowned Institute for
> Theoretical Astronomy in St. Petersburg.
>
> Since 30 years, I have strong scientific ties with this institute,
> first as a researcher at the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut in
> Heidelberg, Germany under the directorship of late Prof. W. Fricke, a
> foreign member of your Academy, then, more recentlyafter my move to
> France by a cooperation program between the CNRS and the Russian
> Academy of Sciences.
> I was personally five times at ITA in the past for scientific
> cooperation.
>
> ITA has an outstanding reputation in Celestial Mechanics, Dynamical
> Astronomy and Space Geodesy. Very famous are the Russian almanacs, the
> ephemerides of minor planets and the development of theoretical models
> for the motions of planets and satellites. Scientific members of ITA
> have a very high international reputation for the quality of their
> research. The Crimean division has as its member (Chernykh) one of the
> leading world scientist in the discovery of small bodies of the solar
> system.
>
> I know from my personal visits at ITA many of the for me terrible
> problems which the Russian laboratories have encountered over the last
> years and I know how difficult the every day life of Russian
> researchers was and still is. I am also well aware of the necessity to
> economize in research.
>
> The disppearance, however, of the activities of the Crimean group and
> dynamical astronomy would mean to make activities disappear where
> Russian scientists belong to the world leaders.
>
> I urge you strongly to give ITA the opportunity to continue its
> essential activities where Russian scientists have gained an
> outstanding reputation.
>
>
> Hans Scholl
>
> Directeur de Recherche au CNRS
> Directeur Scientifique du Telescope de Schmidt
> de l'Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur
>
> Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur
> BP 4229
> 06304 NICE CEDEX 4
> France
>
> Internet Address scholl@obs-nice.fr
>
> **************************************************************
>
>
>
>