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Introduction DIF-FUS Universidad de sonora |
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 In all the history of the mankind, one of the enterprises that the human beings we have undertaken has been the one dedicated to the search for knowledge. From the first moments of 'homo sapiens' to the space era we live, getting to know ourselfs and everything that surrounds us has been one of ours more expensive yearnings. All the arts and sciences have happened per times at which they have left enormous track on contribution to the universal culture. Astronomy has not been the exception. Proof of this we can see it clearly in the contributions of Hipparco, Erastostenes, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Einstein: without going so far, the advances reached out by Mayans, as well as other prehispanic cultures are also very remarkable. Nevertheless, after respectfully seeing the history of Astronomy, taking us back to the present, we find out something very interesting: We realize that Astronomy is living one on its better times. Astronomical discoveries of undeniable importance are happening with unusual frequency. For the ones that are lived this development, it does not let us astonish to see that, finally, have been possible to observe planetary systems in other stars, extremely young galaxies, super black holes, etc. Many of these discoveries have been made by space telescopes, such as the 'Hubble Space Telescope' or great terrestrial observatories. Nevertheless, the participation of small observatories has been extremely valuable. The common denominator of the success of this enterprise is due to the technological advances of the last years. The University of Sonora with its 56 years of existence, has had throughout all history the aspirations of the search of the knowledge in the field of Astronomy. Into the present time, eight years of continuous and persistent work, the aspiration has already become a world-wide level, not only for having basic infrastructure, but also being pioneering in our nation in the field of solar astronomy and one of the leaders in the investigation of coronal holes. The work in extragalactic astronomy has been also very intense, we have made studies on the evolution of the matter in the Universe from very early times to the present. At the moment studies of diverse types of galaxies are being made. It is also important to mention the long trajectory of the programs of sciences of the UniSon, particularly the Physics undergraduate and graduate programs. With the project that has begun, we establish the basis for an astronomical observatory in the top of 'Cerro Azul'. The short term plans of this project contemplate the installation of the new instrument in the University Campus to develop the control systems, automation and communication for the new observatory. Our long term plan consists of possibly installing an optical telescope of greater size in collaboration with other institutions of our country or others. Due to the excellent conditions of the sky it is very feasible to be able to interest other collaborators. A very important consideration is that the establishment of the observatory will allow to make thesis works for the students of sciences and engineering programs. Including some of these activities they are possible to be made during the development of the infrastructure. For that reason, the project of the Observatory of 'Cerro Azul', now named 'Carl Sagan' in honor of the astronomer who not only contributed to the advance of science, but to its knowledge between the communities, means the need to extend the expand the future and to allow major scientific and educative aspirations of which they have been made.
This page is under construction since August 10, 1996.
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