Science and survival: insights from Astronomy

Abstract

This paper presents a brief overview of how astronomy can help society in COVID-19 times, and the lessons that come from studying our place in the Universe and the global coordination of scientific and outreach activities. Several examples coordinated by the International Astronomical Union are presented.

7 pages, 5 figures, based on presentation at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences conference on Science and Survival: a focus on SARS-CoV-2 and connections between large-scale risks for life on this planet and opportunities of science to address them. http://www.casinapioiv.va/content/accademia/en/publications/acta/acta26.html