Looking at the Stars: Unpacking the Development of Astronomy in Chile - Master in Public Policy Thesis

Oct 3, 2026

A Master in Public Policy thesis examines how astronomy developed in Chile, situating observational-site selection, observatory growth, and the expansion of Chilean astronomy within broader comparative and theoretical frames. The study uses a structured investigation with defined data sources and collection, then analyzes results through linkages in Chile’s astronomy program and the convergence of implicit and explicit astronomy policies. Discussion covers theoretical relevance, social implications, study limitations, and policy relevance, followed by conclusions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages102

Reading Time4 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF CHILEAN ASTRONOMY

Selecting Observational Sites in Chile

Development of Observatories in Chile

Growth of Chilean Astronomy

Development of Chilean Astronomy: Comparative Perspective

LITERATURE REVIEW

Core-Periphery Model: Latin American Dependency on Foreign Science

“Structurally Unachieved” System of Scientific Advancement

Divergence of Explicit and Implicit Policies

Explaining the Development of Latin America’s “Niche” Scientific Sectors

RESEARCH DESIGN

Structure of the Investigation

Data Sources and Collection

RESULTS

Linkages: Chile’s Astronomy Program

Convergence of Implicit and Explicit Astronomy Policies

DISCUSSION

Theoretical Relevance

Social Implications of Chilean Astronomy

Limitations of the Study

Policy Relevance

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX

UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO LOOKING AT THE STARS: UNPACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASTRONOMY IN CHILE A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY BY MIKI KOBAYASHI TOKYO, JAPAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This list of acknowledgements will never do justice to all the support I received throughout the process of writing and completing this thesis. But I thank Dr. Masaru Yarime and Dr. Hideaki Shiroyama for their expertise in the field of science and technology policy; the astronomers of Chile, the United States and Japan that opened my eyes to the depth of the wondrous world we call the Universe; and my family and loved ones that repeatedly reminded me that the sky—and the stars—are the limit. And of course, I cannot forget to mention the Atacama Desert: a mystical place that has inspired writers, artists, astronomers and even a public policy student from Japan. CONTENTS TABLES ..................................................................................................................................... 4 FIGURES ................................................................................................................................... 5 ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................... 6 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 7 2. OVERVIEW OF CHILEAN ASTRONOMY ...................................................................... 10 1. Selecting Observational Sites in Chile ............................................................................. 10 2. Development of Observatories in Chile ........................................................................... 12 3. Growth of Chilean Astronomy.......................................................................................... 15 4. Development of Chilean Astronomy: Comparative Perspective ...................................... 19 3. LITERATURE REVIEW ..................................................................................................... 21 1. Core-Periphery Model: Latin American Dependency on Foreign Science ...................... 22 2.“Structurally Unachieved” System of Scientific Advancement ....................................... 25 3. Divergence of Explicit and Implicit Policies .................................................................... 28 4. Explaining the Development of Latin America’s “Niche” Scientific Sectors .................. 30 4. RESEARCH DESIGN ......................................................................................................... 33 1. Structure of the Investigation............................................................................................ 33 2. Data Sources and Collection............................................................................................. 34 5. RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 36 I. Linkages: Chile’s Astronomy Program ............................................................................. 36 II. Convergence of Implicit and Explicit Astronomy Policies .............................................. 55 6. DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................................... 74 1. Theoretical Relevance....................................................................................................... 74 2. Social Implications of Chilean Astronomy....................................................................... 76 3. Limitations of the Study ................................................................................................... 78 4. Policy Relevance ...................................

FAQs

What is the central focus of the thesis?

The thesis analyzes the development of astronomy in Chile, tracing how observational-site selection and observatory development shaped growth and policy outcomes.

What theories and frameworks guide the literature review?

It uses concepts such as the Core-Periphery Model, a “Structurally Unachieved” system of scientific advancement, and explanations for divergence between explicit and implicit policies.

How are the results presented and interpreted?

Findings are organized around linkages in Chile’s astronomy program and the convergence of implicit and explicit astronomy policies, then interpreted through theoretical relevance, social implications, limitations, and policy relevance.

Oct 3, 2026

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