Abstract

STEINER, João; SODRE, Laerte; DAMINELI, Augusto  and  OLIVEIRA, Cláudia Mendes de. A pesquisa em astronomia no Brasil. Rev. USP [online]. 2011, n.89, pp. 98-113. ISSN 0103-9989.

In this article we present a brief history of Brazilian astronomical research. It experienced a big boom which started in the 1970s; and its scientific output grew at an average rate of 11% a year until 2000. From that point on the growth rate has decreased considerably. We also present a census on research groups and graduate programs. There are researchers holding a PhD degree in Astronomy in 41 institutions, and most of them have just one or two researchers. Currently the graduate programs grant 30 Masters and 25 Doctoral degrees a year. Finally, we present some perspectives as well as our own viewpoint on the agreement Brazil has entered into with the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

Keywords : Brazilian astronomy; teaching; research; ESO.