1. IAU EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, HOST ORGANISATIONS, PARTNERS, SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

1.1. IAU EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Robert Williams, United States President-Elect Norio Kaifu, Japan General Secretary Ian F. Corbett, United Kingdom Assistant General Secretary Thierry Montmerle, France Vice-President Matthew Colless, Australia Vice-President Martha P. Haynes, United States Vice-President George K. Miley, Netherlands Vice-President Jan Palouš, Czech Republic Vice-President Marta G. Rovira, Argentina Vice-President Giancarlo Setti, Italy Advisor Catherine J. Cesarsky, France Advisor Karel A. van der Hucht, Netherlands

1.2. IAU SECRETARIAT IAU - UAI Secretariat 98-bis Boulevard Arago Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris F–75014 Paris France

Phone: +33 (0) 1 43 25 83 58 Fax: +33 (0) 1 43 25 26 16 Email:[email protected] www.iau.org

1.3. HOST ORGANISATIONS

Chinese Astronomical Society (CAS) http://english.astronomy.pmo.cas.cn/

National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) http://english.nao.cas.cn

1.4. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Chair DENG, Nan (President, Association for Science and Technology) Vice-Chairs CAO, Jianlin (Vice Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology) ZHAN, Wenlong (Vice President, Chinese Academy of Sciences) , Wenqing (Vice Director, National Natural Science Foundation of China) LIN, Huiqing (Assistant Minister, Ministry of Education) Members WANG, Shouguan (Honorary President, Chinese Astronomical Society) , Shuhua (Honorary President, Chinese Astronomical Society) QU, Qinyue (Honorary President, Chinese Astronomical Society) FANG, Cheng (Former President, Chinese Astronomical Society) SU, Dingqiang (Former President, Chinese Astronomical Society) YAN, Jun (Director General, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

1.5. NATIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Co-chairs CUI, Xiangqun (Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, NAOC) ZHAO, Gang (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Members CHEN, Li ( Normal University) DAI, Zigao () DING, Mingde (Nanjing University) DONG, Guoxuan (National Natural Science Foundation of China) FAN, Junhui ( University) HAN, Jinlin (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) HAN, Zhanwen (Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, NAOC) HAO, Jinxin (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) HONG, Xiaoyu ( Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences) GAN, Weiqun (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences) GUO, Ji (National Time Service Center, NAOC) JI, Peiwen (National Natural Science Foundation of China) LI, Xiangdong (Nanjing University) LI, Yan (Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, NAOC) LIAO, Xinhao (Shanghai Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences) LU, Chunlin (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences) LU, Jufu (Xiamen University) SUN, Xiaochun (The Institute of the History of Natural Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences) WANG, Na (Urumqi Observatory, NAOC) , Xuebing (Peking University) YAN, Jun (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) YAN, Yihua (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) YANG, Ji (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences) YUAN, Yefei (University of Science and Technology of China) ZHANG, Shuangnan (Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences) ZHAO, Yongheng (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) ZHENG, Xiaonian (National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences) ZHU, Jin (Beijing Planetarium) ZHU, Yongtian (Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, NAOC) ZHU, Zonghong (Beijing Normal University)

1.6. LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Co-chairs YAN, Jun (NAOC) ZHAO, Gang (NAOC)

Members CHEN, Yue (NAOC) CHEN, Shanglan (MCI) CUI, Chenzhou (NAOC) GAO, Frankie (MCI) HEI, Qili (Computer Network Information Center, CAS) JING, Hairong (Beijing Planetarium) LI, Haining (NAOC) LIANG, Yanchun (NAOC) LIU, Xiaoshu (MCI) LIU, Yujuan (NAOC) LU, Ye (NAOC) PODT, Michael (MCI) RHEINDORF, Richard (MCI) SUN, Xiaochun (The Institute of the History of Natural Science, CAS) WANG, Junjie (NAOC) WANG, Yi (NAOC) WAN, Haoyi (Beijing Planetarium) XU, Ang (NAOC) XUE, Suijian (NAOC) YANG, Deting (Computer Network Information Center, CAS) YUN, Xiaoshan (NAOC) ZHAI, Meng (NAOC) ZHAO, Bing (NAOC) ZHU, Jin (Beijing Planetarium)

1.7. ORGANISATION SUPPORT

Professional support in the planning of the General Assembly is provided by MCI Beijing. The MCI Group is a global meetings, association and communication management company with 47 offices in 23 countries, providing a range of services to international associations and corporations.

1.8. PARTNERS, SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS The IAU and Organising Committees acknowledge the invaluable support of the following institutions and organisations:

Partners Air China Beijing Science Video Network H3C Microsoft Research Star Alliance

Sponsors Associated Universities, Inc. Astronomy & Astrophysics Chinese Association for Science and Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) National Natural Science Foundation of China Wiley-Blackwell World Wide Telescope Academy Program

Exhibitors ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array American Astronomical Society Andor Technology ASTRON Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy Betop Multimedia Cambridge University Press Chinese Astronomical Society Copernicus Meetings & Publications CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science Division for Particle Astrophysics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences European Southern Observatory (ESO) European VLBI Network Fulldome.pro Finger Lakes Instrumentation GREAT - Gaia Research for European Astronomy Training Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research Astronomy and Space Science Institute Cherenkov Telescope Array – HESS/MAGIC/VERITAS Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics & Technology, NAOC Nanjing iOptron Scientific, Inc. National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences National Hellenic Research Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory National Time Service Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Oceanside Photo & Telescope Officina Stellare SRL – Italy Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Santa Barbara Instrument Group PlaneWave Instruments School of Astronomy & Space Science, Nanjing University School of Space Science and Physics, Shandong University at Weihai Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences SKA Organisation Springer The Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory, NAOC Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, NAOC

2. IAU XXVIII GENERAL ASSEMBLY INFORMATION

2.1. LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE OFFICE The LOC office is located in meeting room VIP 3-2 on level 3 of the China National Convention Center (CNCC). The office will be open during the daily schedule of meetings.

2.2. IAU SECRETARIAT The IAU Secretariat is located in meeting room 401 on level 4 of the CNCC. The office will be open during the daily schedule of meetings.

2.3. REGISTRATION DESK – OPENING HOURS The General Assembly Registration desk is located on Level 3 of the CNCC. Registration desk opening hours are as follows:

Sunday, 19 August 13:00 - 18:00 Monday, 20 August 08:00 - 20:00 Tuesday, 21August 08:00 - 18:00 Wednesday, 22 August 08:00 - 18:00 Thursday, 23 August 08:00 - 18:00 Friday, 24 August 08:00 - 18:00

Saturday, 25 August CLOSED Sunday, 26 August 13:00 - 18:00 Monday, 27 August 08:00 - 18:00 Tuesday, 28 August 08:00 - 18:00 Wednesday, 29 August 08:00 - 18:00 Thursday, 30 August 08:00 - 18:00 Friday, 31 August 08:00 - 12:00

2.4. ON SITE REGISTRATION FEES AND PAYMENTS

For new registrations and registrations paid on site, the following fees apply:

IAU members/non-members and invited participants: 5056 CNY (including one proceedings volume) Students and seniors: 2250 CNY Registered guests and children over 11 years: 1400 CNY (only registration fee) Children up to 11 years: free of charge

Conditions apply and are available on www.astronomy2012.org. Badges and materials are only handed to participants who have paid their fees in full.

2.5. BADGES General Assembly badges must be worn to all scientific sessions. Badges will be checked at the entrance to session rooms. Attendees without the appropriate badge will be directed to the registration desk. All attendees, including speakers and scientific session chairs must register and pay the registration fee.

The colour codes for the badges and lanyards are as follows: Dark Blue IAU Member Light Blue IAU Non-member Gold IAU Executive Committee and IAU Secretariat Grey Sponsor Red Local Organising Committee Yellow VIP Purple Media and Press Pink Exhibitor (no access to scientific sessions) Green Guest (no access to scientific sessions) Orange Volunteer

2.6. VOLUNTEERS A group of dedicated volunteers is available to provide information and guidance. Volunteers can be recognised by their orange polo shirts with the IAU General Assembly logo. Do not hesitate to contact them for any assistance needed.

2.7. WATER Water stations are available in meeting and general areas.

2.8. MESSAGES A message board is available in the registration area on level 3 of the CNCC. You may leave your message for other participants here, or use the available space for special poster announcements.

2.9. PROGRAMME UPDATES Programme updates will be published outside the meeting room and in the registration area on level 3 of the CNCC. Please check the latest updates on a daily basis.

2.10. DAILY SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS Please check the programme overview in this programme book, or the registration area for the detailed daily schedule.

Morning coffee and tea break is scheduled from 10:00 – 10:30 A lunch break is scheduled from 12:30 – 14:00 Afternoon coffee and tea break is scheduled from 15:30-16:00

2.11. SESSION ROOMS

LEVEL 3

Scientific Sessions Meeting room 301, 302, 303, 305, 306A, 306B 307, 308, 309A, 309B 310,311 Exhibition North Foyer level 3 and level 4 Registration North Foyer Messages and Programme Updates Registration area Daily Newspaper and Information Level 3 and Level 4 Public computer area Level 3 Speaker Preview Room VIP room 3-1 Local Organising Committee VIP room 3-2

UNAWE Day Camp Meeting room 201 (level 2)

LEVEL 4

Opening Ceremony, General Assembly I & II Plenary Hall B Plenary Sessions 292, 290, 294, 295, Gruber Lecture, Special Lectures Invited Discourses, Closing Ceremony IAU President VIP room 4-1 President-Elect & Assistant General Secretary Room 402A Media and media interviews VIP room 4-2 IAU Office Room 401 Business Meetings (refer to detailed schedule) Room 402B, 403, 405, 408, 409 VIP 4-3 Press Conferences and media interviews Room 406 Daily Newspaper editors office Room 407 Posters Plenary Hall A Young Astronomers Lunch Plenary Hall B Women in Astronomy Lunch Plenary Hall A

2.12. COFFEE AND TEA BREAKS During scheduled breaks, coffee and tea is served in the dedicated areas on level 3 of the CNCC.

2.13. LUNCH Lunch will be available daily from 12:30 – 14:00. Lunch is not included in the registration fee. Restaurants are available on the Gallery on level 3 of the CNCC.

Small snacks, sandwiches and drinks may also be purchased at the business center (level 3) or at the refreshment kiosks on level 3 and inside plenary hall A on level 4 of the CNCC. Plenary Hall A will offer seating facilities during lunch breaks.

The underground Xin‟Ao Shopping Center is located in the Olympic Park across the street from the CNCC. The shopping center has many different restaurants. Maps with an overview of available options are available in your registration bag.

2.14. GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWSPAPER The IAU XXVIII General Assembly daily newspaper 天問 or “Inquiries of Heaven”, will be published during the GA in ten editions. The name of the newspaper was chosen after the poem “Inquiries of Heaven (IH)” (天問) by Yuan QU, a Chinese poet, in 310 B.C. He raised more than 150 inquiries about the Universe and society in "Inquiries of Heaven," and described humanity's early thoughts on the Cosmos. At the beginning of the poem, Yuan QU asks about the remotest past of the Universe with his profound thoughts[1]:

Whoever has convey‟d to us 曰:邃古之初， Stories of the remotest past? 谁传道之？ Who can verify the shapeless 上下未形， Beginning time has overcast? 何由考之？ Who can confirm the world had been 冥昭瞢暗， A mass without darkness and light? 谁能极之？ If th‟ universe was but chaos, 冯翼惟像， What evidence is there in sight? 何以识之？ And then, how was it arranged 明明暗暗， That, there came to be Night and Day? 惟时何为？ „Mongst th‟ yin, th‟ yang and th‟ either that make 阴阳三合， Things, th‟ vital role which one does play 何本何化？

[1] Translation into English by Zhenying Zhuo in The Verse of Chu, Library of Chinese Classics，Hunan Peoples‟ Publishing House (http://www.hnppp.com), 2006.

The newspaper will be published by Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics with collaboration of China Features of Xinhua News Agency, National Astronomy and Amateur Astronomer. The Editorial Board is listed below.

Editor and Associate Editors: Jingxiu Wang (Sun and Heliosphere, Fundamental Astronomy and miscellaneous) Xiaowei Liu (IMS, stars, planets and bio-astronomy) Shude Mao (Cosmology, galaxies and theoretical astrophysics) Shuang Nan Zhang (Space and High energy astrophysics, Radio astronomy, major scientific & International collaboration projects) Yongtian Zhu (Projects, instruments, methods and local information) Editorialists and language editors: Peter Anders, Thijs Kouwenhoven, Sarah Reed, James Wicker, Marcel Zemp Art and technical editors: Yangyang An, Geng Li, Jian Li Advisor: Thierry Montmerle (IAU Assistant General Secretary, on behalf of the IAU Executive Committee: GA "Hot Topics") Managing coordinator: Suijian Xue Secretary: Lan Wang

This newspaper will not only feature summaries and reports of the scientific sessions and activities in the GA, but also highlights the rapid progress in research and hot topics that emerged over the last two to three years.

To create a good newspaper in support of the GA, we are calling on your generous participation. The editors welcome contributions from participants on GA topics and astronomy in general by offering articles, letters, news, views, comments, photographs and illustrations. The newspaper Editorial Board has its headquarters in room 407 on level 4. An email address: [email protected] is also available for input.

2.15. MEDIA AND PRESS The Press Office for the General Assembly will carry out the communication with all media and will provide information and materials related to the GA and astronomy in general.

The team of the Press Office of the IAU XXVIII General Assembly comprises: - Lars Lindberg Christensen (IAU Press Officer, international press) - Ang Xu (Local Press Officer, LOC press contact) - Raquel YumiShida (IAU Deputy Press Officer, Web Master) - Local assistants

The IAU Press Office is located in room VIP 4-2 on level 4 on all weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00. The official Press Conference room is room 406 on level 4. The Press Office will be closed during the weekend 25-26 August.

Space for media interviews is available in room VIP 4-2 and meeting room 406.

2.16. PROCEEDINGS The Proceedings of the Symposia held at the IAU XXVIII General Assembly will be published in separate volumes by Cambridge University Press (CUP). The Invited Discourses, Joint Discussions and Special Sessions will be published in the Highlights of Astronomy 16. The Proceedings of the Twenty Eighth General Assembly will be published in the Transactions of the IAU B series, and the triennial reports of all IAU scientific bodies will be published in the Transactions of the IAU A series Reports on Astronomy.

On registering for the GA, attendees were asked to select one volume of the Proceedings of the IAU Symposia or the Highlights of Astronomy 16, purchase of which is included in the Registration Fee. CUP will send them the volume chosen when published in 2013. If a volume was not selected at registration it can be done at the Registration Desk. Failure to select a volume will result in the default selection of Highlights of Astronomy 16. Further volumes could be ordered and paid for at registration and can be ordered and paid for at the registration desk.

2.17. EXHIBITION The exhibition area is located on level 3 of the CNCC.

Opening hours: Monday, 20 August 09:00 – 18:00 Tuesday, 21 August 09:00 – 19:30 – reception Wednesday, 22 August 09:00 – 18:00 Thursday, 23 August 09:00 – 18:00 Friday, 24 August 09:00 – 18:00

Monday, 27 August 09:00 – 18:00 Tuesday, 28 August 09:00 – 18:00 Wednesday, 29 August 09:00 – 18:00 Thursday, 30 August 09:00 – 18:00 Friday, 31 August 09:00 – 18:00

2.18. ACCOMMODATION Participants are responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodation. Discounted hotel rates are available for general assembly participants. For a listing of available hotels and rates, please check www.astronomy2012.org. For onsite reservations, please contact the hotel accommodation desk at the registration area.

2.19. TOURS A number of interesting and entertaining tours are available for participants and guests. For tour reservations, please sign up at the tour desk in the registration area.

2.20. MAILING SERVICE China National Philatelic Corporation made special envelopes and will be available for mailing services. China Post will be presented in the registration area on level 3 of the CNCC with a mailbox.

3 VENUE INFORMATION

3.1. CHINA NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER

3.2 TELEPHONES Out of courtesy to other participants, please make sure that mobile telephones are on 'mute' during all GA sessions. Public pay-phones are available on level 3 of the CNCC, next to the registration desk.

3.3. ATM ATM machines are located on level 3 of the CNCC, next to the registration desk.

3.4. WI-FI In most areas of the IAU XXVII General Assembly Wi-Fi (wireless network) will be available. Details on the wifi and necessary log-in information are available on your badge.

3.5. BUSINESS CENTER The CNCC Business Center is located on level 3 of the CNCC. Internet, copy and fax facilities are available here.

3.6. CHILDREN CARE No children care facilities are available at the venue.

3.7. FIRST AID, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Medical assistance is available in room VIP 3-2.

3.8. SECURITY All delegates, including registered guests, are asked to wear their badges at all times. Access to the session rooms or exhibition and poster areas will be denied to those not wearing a badge. For security reasons, upon entering the CNCC, you and items you carry may be subject to passing through a scanner. Please adhere to instructions provided by security staff.

3.9. LOST & FOUND Please take any found articles to the registration desk or inquire there for lost articles. Found items not collected at the end of the day will be handed to the CNCC security staff. We recommend that you label your conference bag.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION

4.1. INSURANCE All participants are strongly recommended to arrange for medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in China. The committees and the IAU will not accept liability for sickness, personal injuries sustained, accidents, or for loss or damage to personal belongings of participants and their guests either during or as a result of the IAU XXVIII General Assembly.

4.2. SMOKING Smoking is not allowed in any area inside the convention center. Smoking is allowed outside.

4.3. ELECTRICITY The electricity supply in China is 220V 50Hz. Most, but not all, sockets will accept both European and US style plugs.

4.4. WEATHER Beijing weather in August is usually hot and humid, with an average daytime temperature of 30º C, decreasing to 18º C at night. In the evening, there may the occasional rain shower. The CNCC is air conditioned.

4.5. TRANSPORTATION FROM/TO THE AIRPORT AND CNCC A taxi from the airport to the CNCC and nearby hotels is approximately 100RMB ($15US) and takes about 30 minutes. No tips are necessary. We recommend that you print out the venue address or your hotel address in Chinese characters and give it to the taxi driver, so your destination is clear. Please check 3.1. for the CNCC address.

There is also an airport express train (25RMB) that goes directly from the airport into the city. The airport express train makes two stops in the city, with direct links to the subway network; Sanyuanqiao station linking to . Change to at Beitucheng station to Olypic Green station, Exit E, for the CNCC. Please see the metro map on the next page.

Shuttle bus line 6 is available to bring you from the airport directly to the south exit of the NAOC campus. From here, it is a short walk to the CNCC and nearby hotels.

4.6. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Beijing‟s metro system is quick, fast and reliable and will connect you to all areas of the city. Subway tickets (2 RMB) can be bought either at the electronic vending machines or ticket office. The subway station nearest to the CNCC is Olympic Green on line 8 (Green Line). Upon arrival, please exit at gate E which is closest to the venue.

Airport Express Train

CNCC Exit E

The Airport Express stops at Sanyuanqiao station.

At this station you have access to subway line 10 , direction Bagou station. Change to line 8 at Beitucheng station to Olypic Green station, Exit E, for the CNCC.

5. OFFICIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY SOCIAL EVENTS The XXVIII General Assembly‟s Social Programme will provide you with networking opportunities, to meet with old and new friends. Please see below for an overview of the scheduled social events.

5.1. INAUGURAL CEREMONY Tuesday, 21 August 14:00 - 16:00 Price: included in the registration fee. All registered participants and guests are welcome. Plenary Hall B

Join us for the official opening of the XXVIII General Assembly in the main plenary room. The Inaugural Ceremony will feature a range of performance from renowned performers, including traditional dances from the Qin Dynasty, regional Tibet Dance and Chinese Acrobatics, as well as a special performance, Dream of Heaven, by NAOC staff.

5.2. WELCOME RECEPTION Tuesday, 21 August 18:00 - 19:30 Price: included in the registration fee. All registered participants and guests welcome.

5.3. BANQUET Thursday, 23 August 19:00 – 23:00 Birds‟ Nest Olympic Stadium Access: North East side, between entrances J and K Price: 550 RMB per person Paid tickets will be provided with your badge. If not yet paid, limited tickets are still available at the registration desk.

The Olympic Stadium is walking distance from the CNCC, approximately 20 minutes. No transfers will be provided. To access the dinner area, please take the north-east entrance between stadium entrance J and K.

The official banquet will be celebrated on the date of the Qixi Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month on the . In late summer, the stars Altair and are high in the night sky, and the Chinese tell an incredible love story during Qixi Festival:

A young cowherd (Niulang) came across a beautiful girl, the seventh daughter of the Goddess (Zhinü), who just had escaped from boring heaven to look for fun. Zhinü soon fell in love with Niulang, and they got married without the knowledge of the Goddess. The Goddess of Heaven was furious to find out that Zhinü had married a mere mortal and ordered Zhinü to return to heaven. On Earth, Niulang was very upset that his wife had disappeared. Suddenly, his ox began to talk, telling him that if he killed it and put on its hide, he would be able to go up to Heaven to find his wife. Crying bitterly, he killed the ox, put on the skin, and carried his two beloved children off to Heaven to find Zhinü. The Goddess discovered this and was very angry. Taking out her hairpin, the Goddess scratched a wide river in the sky to separate the two lovers forever, thus forming the Milky Way between Altair and Vega.

5.4. CLOSING CEREMONY Thursday, 30 August 16:00 Price: included in the registration fee. All registered participants and guests welcome. Plenary Hall B

The official Closing Ceremony will feature the official presentation of the IAU XXIX General Assembly and an official farewell performance to thank you for your participation and wish you a safe journey home on behalf of the IAU and organising committees.