Astronomy and Society: The Road Ahead

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the current state and future needs of astronomy's engagement with society across six key areas, offering recommendations to strengthen its societal impact and outreach efforts.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of astronomy-society interactions and proposes a strategic road-map for future engagement and development.

Findings

Identifies six key areas: outreach, education, heritage, development, diversity, hiring.

Highlights current strengths and gaps in astronomy's societal engagement.

Recommends strategies for institutions, funding agencies, and individuals to enhance impact.

Abstract

Astronomy, of all the sciences, is possibly the one with the most public appeal across all age groups. This is also evidenced by the existence of a large number of planetaria and amateur astronomy societies, which is unique to the field. Astronomy is known as a `gateway science', with an ability to attract students who then proceed to explore their interest in other STEM fields too. Astronomy's link to society is therefore substantive and diverse. In this white paper, six key areas are analysed, namely outreach and communication, astronomy education, history and heritage, astronomy for development, diversity, and hiring practices for outreach personnel. The current status of each of these areas is described, followed by an analysis of what is needed for the future. A set of recommendations for institutions, funding agencies, and individuals are evolved for each specific area. This work charts out the vision for how the astronomy-society connection should take shape in the future, and attempts to provide a road-map for the various stakeholders involved.