太空探测开发力助大国崛起——当前天文学发展的深刻社会意义

China Rises with Its Space Exploration and Development Capability——The Profound Social Significance of the Current Development of Astronomy

太空作为重要的战略资源,其开发的程度体现国家的综合竞争力。天文学乃自然科学六大基础学科(数理化天地生)之一,紧随人类文明之启而诞生。相对于其他基础科学而言,天文学具有"小学科、大科学"特点,属于"贵族的游戏"。鉴于经济实力的提升,未来一段时间将是我国天文学科蓬勃发展的黄金时代。本文分别从科学问题和望远镜设备两个方面阐述了天文学的社会意义,特别是在大国崛起过程中的关键角色;讨论了天文学与太空科技的关联,特别是脉冲星研究对太空科技的促进作用。

Space is an important strategic resource; the degree of its development reflects a country＇s comprehensive competitiveness. As one of the six basic disciplines of natural science （mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography and biology）, astronomy was created at the very time human civilization began. Compared with other basic sciences, astronomy is a ＂small discipline＂ but a ＂big science＂ and is the ＂aristocrat＇s game＂. Due to the increased economic strength, China＇s astronomical disciplines will flourish in the years to come. This paper expounds the social significance of astronomy from the aspects of science and telescope equipment, especially its key role in the process of the rise of great powers. It also discusses the relationship between astronomy and space science and technology, especially the promoting role of pulsar research in space science and technology .