ARMENIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION IN DANGER
By Chahe Tanachian, Montreal
AZG Armenian Daily
29/07/2009
Science
Please read Chahe Tanachian’s plea "to make Armenia honorable again
in the International Astronomical Union". There are times that
people need to act beside hearing, listening and reading. This
is one of them. Please act!! Only four days are left to make
a difference. Keghart.com Armenians sometimes refer to Viktor
Hampartsoumian as the greatest Armenian scientist of the 20th century.
I believe we should refer to him as one of the greatest scientists
of the 20th century (in the world).
During the last year of the AGBU Manuel Keusseyan Armenological
Studies, I spoke about Armenia’s situation as a member of the
International Astronomical Union (IAU) whose President has been Viktor
Hampartsoumian for many years.
Armenia has been unable to pay the membership fees for the last 6
years including 2009.
The IAU has previously waived fees and granted extensions in order to
give Armenia a chance to remain a member. This gesture of goodwill on
part of the IAU is based on the fact that Armenian scientists have
a very good standing in the field of astronomy and astrophysics and
their work and expertise is highly regarded.
My efforts have been directed to raise the amount to pay the fees
for one year. The yearly fee is approximately $3500 CDN.
The Director of the Byurakan Observatory of Armenia, Dr. Hayk
Harutyunyan has sent me the latest letter they have received from the
IAU dated June 2009 indicating that unless the membership fees are
paid before July 31st 2009, Armenia’s membership will be suspended. If
a suspension lasts for 5 years, the IAU can terminate the membership.
The situation is quite pitiful for a country and a nation that have
given a genius like Viktor Hampartsoumian to the world.
Dr. Harutyunyan has confirmed to me that they’re working to get the
Ministry of Science to pay for at least 3 years of membership dues.
I know that some people rightfully ask themselves how come the
Government of Armenia or financially capable citizens of Armenia are
not taking care of this issue?
I say let’s not forget that Victor Hampartsoumian belongs to all
Armenians and we can’t stay inactive and irresponsible towards his
legacy and memory.
This is about what we can do and how we can awaken others with our
gestures and efforts.
Dr. Harutyunyan has promised to publish an article about our
contribution and gesture in major newspapers of the country and to
create awareness about this essential issue.
We can also agree to send an official letter to the concerned
authorities and let them know our concerns and preoccupations.
For transparency purposes, we will directly pay the fees to the IAU
through the A.G.B.U. Montreal Chapter.
Dear Friends, I truly believe that a collection of small gestures by
small groups of people can make a difference in the life and history
of a nation.
Please tell your friends and family about this initiative and encourage
them to participate.
PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU ACCEPT TO MAKE A DONATION
/ JULY 31ST IS 4 DAYS AWAY.
Thank you, Chahe Tanachian email: [email protected], tel.:
514.802.3911