269
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
F. Sánchez, The Rise of Astrophysics in Modern Spain, Astronomers’ Universe,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66426-8
You have now reached the end of the book and have read its chapters with—I
hope—growing enjoyment and interest. If that is the case, then I may congratulate us both. Throughout the text I have striven to narrate the most
important events in the short and fruitful story of astrophysics in Spain, and
show how we have managed to reach such dizzying heights. I also wonder if
the reasons behind what was done have been clearly enough stated. If I have
succeeded in doing this, then I shall be satisfied at having contributed towards
making known this most human aspect of science.
You have witnessed the pride with which I tell how the Instituto de
Astrofísica de Canarias has become a competitive centre for research and technological development with a well-earned international reputation, its two
internationalized Observatories acting as a magnet for advanced telescopes
and observing instruments from all over the world; and how the IAC is also a
postrgraduate school and outreach centre. To top it all, the IAC has designed,
built and brought into operation the Gran Telescopio Canarias, thus entering
the realm of Big Science and enabling national industry to compete successfully in the profitable technology associated with it. There are now many new
paths to follow.
But that is not all. The role of the IAC in the birth and spectacular flowering of astrophysics in Spain continues to be a leading one. Let us not forget
that in very few years Spain, starting from absolutely nothing, is now among
the top seven countries in the forefront of this science (as explained in Chap.
24), with all the cultural, social, economic benefits implied for the country.
Epilogue
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
F. Sánchez, The Rise of Astrophysics in Modern Spain, Astronomers’ Universe,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66426-8
You have now reached the end of the book and have read its chapters with—I
hope—growing enjoyment and interest. If that is the case, then I may congratulate us both. Throughout the text I have striven to narrate the most
important events in the short and fruitful story of astrophysics in Spain, and
show how we have managed to reach such dizzying heights. I also wonder if
the reasons behind what was done have been clearly enough stated. If I have
succeeded in doing this, then I shall be satisfied at having contributed towards
making known this most human aspect of science.
You have witnessed the pride with which I tell how the Instituto de
Astrofísica de Canarias has become a competitive centre for research and technological development with a well-earned international reputation, its two
internationalized Observatories acting as a magnet for advanced telescopes
and observing instruments from all over the world; and how the IAC is also a
postrgraduate school and outreach centre. To top it all, the IAC has designed,
built and brought into operation the Gran Telescopio Canarias, thus entering
the realm of Big Science and enabling national industry to compete successfully in the profitable technology associated with it. There are now many new
paths to follow.
But that is not all. The role of the IAC in the birth and spectacular flowering of astrophysics in Spain continues to be a leading one. Let us not forget
that in very few years Spain, starting from absolutely nothing, is now among
the top seven countries in the forefront of this science (as explained in Chap.
24), with all the cultural, social, economic benefits implied for the country.
Epilogue