The Role Of Temporary Western Observatories In The Development Of Professional Astronomy In Thailand
Article
Article Title | The Role Of Temporary Western Observatories In The Development Of Professional Astronomy In Thailand |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 30599 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Orchiston, Wayne and Orchiston, Darunee Lingling |
Journal Title | Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage |
Journal Citation | 26 (1), pp. 31-68 |
Number of Pages | 38 |
Year | 2023 |
Place of Publication | Thailand |
ISSN | 1440-2807 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1440-2807.2023.01.03 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciengine.com/JAHH/doi/10.3724/SP.J.1440-2807.2023.01.03 |
Abstract | During the nineteenth century Siam (present-day Thailand) was trapped between British colonies to the west (Burma) and south (the Straits Settlements) and a French colony to the east (Cochin China), yet managed to retain its independence—the only SE Asian nation that succeeded in doing so. Instead, Siam witnessed its first 'modern’ astronomical observatories when European expeditions accepted invitations to come to Siam to observe the total solar eclipses of 1868, 1875 and 1929. These expeditions led to the emergence of academic astronomy in Thailand and the establishment of the nation’s first permanent astronomical research observatory. In this paper, after reviewing British colonial observatory role models we will examine the nature of Siamese astronomy during the nineteenth century, the 1868, 1875 and 1929 European eclipse expeditions, and the subsequent development of professional astronomy in Siam. This culminated in the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in 2009 and the phenomenal growth of astronomy during the following decade, primarily under strong Royal patronage. |
Keywords | astronomical observatories; Siam/Thailand; solar eclipses; King Rama IV; King Rama V |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 5101. Astronomical sciences |
Byline Affiliations | Centre for Astrophysics |
Anhui University of Science and Technology, China | |
No affiliation |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z2688/the-role-of-temporary-western-observatories-in-the-development-of-professional-astronomy-in-thailand
Download files
59
total views52
total downloads1
views this month2
downloads this month