MG15 - Talk detail

Back to previous page

 Participant

Institution

Session

Accepted

Order

Time

Talk

Title

Abstract

Emerging services in astronomy and space science could offer the inspirational work of cosmic discovery to anyone in the world with an imagination and a phone. Mobile software has transformed social, economic and cultural life in all parts of the world. By taking advantage of the data revolution and the technological marvels of the modern internet, it is easy to imagine mobile media reinforcement of the unique significance of the cosmological varieties of world cultures. Data and software are the only two ingredients, both free, both open, both transparent, and both engineered to the highest possible standards. Although usually hidden, standards are vital to the construction of data-software infrastructures. They are best devised by collective means especially including dialogue and the scientific equivalent of market forces. There is much work to be done, especially in software. Even if central data-provider agencies are able to respond or even lead these efforts through only small adjustments to cost-to-completion models, the system should be open to external participation. Ambitious centralised software services aimed at a variety of global clientele from lay to student to professional will transform the efficiency, diversity and productivity of Universal scientific enquiry through guarantees of provenance, calibration, algorithmic and statistical rigour and the elimination of unnecessary duplication.

Pdf file

Back to previous page