265
The CNA was substantially transformed with the entry of new membership
comprising the following:
• The Director of the Esteban Terradas National Institute of Aerospace
Technology
• The Director of the Royal Naval Institute and Observatory
• The Director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
• The Director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía
• The Spanish delegate of the European Space Agency
• The Deputy Director General of Astronomy of the National
Geographical Institute
• One scientist of world standing for each of the following fields: Galaxies,
Stellar Physics, the Interstellar Medium, the Sun and Solar System,
Positional Astronomy, Instruments, and Space
However, the Director General of the National Geographical Institute
(IGN) was to remain as President of the Commission, even though it was felt
that that position should be held by an astronomer, duly elected by the
Commission membership. Well, at least seven renowned scientists had been
added to the membership.
This rule was later changed, the presidency now alternating between the
Director General of the IGN and the President of CSIC. However, because
the Commission has never had sufficient dedicated funding to enable it to
perform its duties, its activities are of little consequence.
The few young Spanish astrophysicists of the seventies felt the need to get
to know one another in order to make a joint push for research in their branch
of science. Meetings among teams of colleagues took place and it was decided
to take a step further in 1975 by organizing the First National Assembly of
Astronomy and Astrophysics, to be held in the Canaries. It was a great success
and is fondly remembered by those of us who attended. Together with the
young astrophysicists, the older astronomers from the observatories in Madrid
and San Fernando participated in the conference. The Professors of Astronomy
Orús and Cid Palacios were there (Torroja did not come), and Father Romañá,
president of the Alfonso X Board of CSIC gave a talk.
The flight to La Palma to see Roque del los Muchachos from the air (at the
time there was no access road for a proper visit) was unforgettable. The plane
we chartered was old, noisy, and creaky, and seemed on the point of disintegrating at any moment. The ventilation consisted of a lot of small fans fixed
to the ceiling with wires. We all held our breath as the plane landed.
24 Astrophysics in Spain: The Wider Picture (1974–Present)
The CNA was substantially transformed with the entry of new membership
comprising the following:
• The Director of the Esteban Terradas National Institute of Aerospace
Technology
• The Director of the Royal Naval Institute and Observatory
• The Director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
• The Director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía
• The Spanish delegate of the European Space Agency
• The Deputy Director General of Astronomy of the National
Geographical Institute
• One scientist of world standing for each of the following fields: Galaxies,
Stellar Physics, the Interstellar Medium, the Sun and Solar System,
Positional Astronomy, Instruments, and Space
However, the Director General of the National Geographical Institute
(IGN) was to remain as President of the Commission, even though it was felt
that that position should be held by an astronomer, duly elected by the
Commission membership. Well, at least seven renowned scientists had been
added to the membership.
This rule was later changed, the presidency now alternating between the
Director General of the IGN and the President of CSIC. However, because
the Commission has never had sufficient dedicated funding to enable it to
perform its duties, its activities are of little consequence.
The few young Spanish astrophysicists of the seventies felt the need to get
to know one another in order to make a joint push for research in their branch
of science. Meetings among teams of colleagues took place and it was decided
to take a step further in 1975 by organizing the First National Assembly of
Astronomy and Astrophysics, to be held in the Canaries. It was a great success
and is fondly remembered by those of us who attended. Together with the
young astrophysicists, the older astronomers from the observatories in Madrid
and San Fernando participated in the conference. The Professors of Astronomy
Orús and Cid Palacios were there (Torroja did not come), and Father Romañá,
president of the Alfonso X Board of CSIC gave a talk.
The flight to La Palma to see Roque del los Muchachos from the air (at the
time there was no access road for a proper visit) was unforgettable. The plane
we chartered was old, noisy, and creaky, and seemed on the point of disintegrating at any moment. The ventilation consisted of a lot of small fans fixed
to the ceiling with wires. We all held our breath as the plane landed.
24 Astrophysics in Spain: The Wider Picture (1974–Present)