A4 – Inter-Division A-F Commission Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy

Description

Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy deals primarily with the general dynamics of N-body systems, with applications stretching from orbital mechanics of artificial satellites to galactic dynamics. Although it constitutes one of the oldest fields in astronomy, it is constantly reinvigorated by new discoveries and problems. These are widespread and include (among many others) extrasolar planets, asteroids and KBOs, NEOs and space debris, low-energy interplanetary trajectories, etc.

The main objective of the present commission is to support research and educational activities in the broad field of dynamical astronomy. These include: treatments of the mathematical, physical and computational aspects of planetary theory, perturbation theory, resonance models, chaos and diffusion, stability criteria, orbital and space mechanics, ring systems, tidal models, galactic dynamics, non-gravitational forces, and computer languages for analytical developments.

During the present period (2018-2021), we hope to support the following activities:

Propose, facilitate, and support scientific meetings, in particular the IAU Symposia, on Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, and on its applications to various dynamical problems;
Promote the periodic holding of a Summer School aiming to train young researchers on the most important current topics in Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy. Such schools can take place before major scientific meetings, such as the celebrated CELMEC conferences. As an example of the proposed format for such schools see “Satellite Dynamics and Space Missions: Theory and Applications of Celestial Mechanics”, held in 2017 before the CELMEC VII meeting ( see the recorded lectures at http://adams.dm.unipi.it/~simca/sdsm2017/ [adams.dm.unipi.it], with publication of the lecture notes in 2019). This activity follows the spirit of the NATO Advanced Study Institute schools, held in Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) in the 1980s and 1990s. The next Summer School will include theoretical topics and applications to astronomical problems. Such schools have proven to provide excellent opportunities for the education of young researchers in both the general theory of dynamics, as well as advanced applications of both analytical and numerical methods in the most timely astronomical problems.
Maintain fruitful cooperation with other fields of science such as applied mathematics, mathematical physics, geophysics, space sciences, etc., whose research is often applicable to astronomical problems.
Establish an efficient information system to facilitate collaboration among the researchers in the field by maintaining an up-to-date Commission website with important news, information on meetings and updated documents.