pdf SCAR XXXIII WP10: Report on AAA (Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica)

SCAR XXXIII WP10: Report on AAA (Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica)

See also pdf External Performance Review 1 (49 KB) and pdf External Performance Review 2 (104 KB)

Executive Summary

Title: Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA)

Authors: J. W. V. Storey

Introduction/Background: Broadly stated, the objectives of Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA) are to coordinate astronomical activities in Antarctica in a way that ensures the best possible outcomes from international investment in Antarctic astronomy, and maximizes the opportunities for productive interaction with other disciplines.

The SCAR AAA SRP Planning Group was proposed at the Hobart XXIX SCAR in 2006.  Creation of the AAA SRP was approved at the Moscow XXX SCAR Delegates meeting in 2008. AAA held its first formal meeting as a Scientific Research Program in August 2010 in Buenos Aires, followed by a kick-off meeting in Sydney in June 2011.  Further major meetings have followed in Portland (2012) and Siena (2013).

Important Issues or Factors: At this stage, AAA is functioning well, as outlined in the Annual Report to delegates. There have been no significant problems.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  AAA has submitted its Annual Report to external review this year.  We request that a continuation of the AAA program be approved for another four years.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Based on the recommendations of the external reviews, AAA plans to place a greater emphasis in future on outreach and education, both to the general community and to SCAR member countries with less developed astronomical programs.

Partners: No formal partners, although the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a Union Member of SCAR.

Budget Implications: Continuing funding is requested at the approved level.