Fundamental Astronomy and Solar System Dynamics

"Fundamental Astronomy and Solar System Dynamics", a program of invited papers honoring Professor Walter Fricke, who for thirty years has been Director of the Astronomisches Rechen lnstitut in Heidelberg, was held at the Thompson Conference Center of the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday 27 March 1985 on the occasion of his seventieth birthday and retirement as Director of ARl. Professor Fricke's contributions to astronomy encompass the areas of galactic dynamics, radial velocities, stellar statistics. the fundamental reference system and the constant of precession. Participants were welcomed to the Uni versi ty of Texas by Professor J. Parker Lamb, Chairman of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. The presentations ranged from discussions of astrometric problems concerned with the reference system, the constant of precession, major and minor planet observations, planetary ephemerides and lunar and satellite laser ranging, to a study of disc galaxies in massive halos. The program concluded with a review of Professor Fricke's career. The three sessions were chaired by Victor G. Szebehely, Carol A. Williams and Jay H. Lieske. The participants in this meeting, and in the Division on Dynamical Astronomy meeting that followed, were happy that Professor Fricke was able to attend. His presence at these meetings, as well as his thoughtful comments, were greatly appreciated. We are pleased to acknowledge the support of the Center for Space Research, the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics of the University of Texas at Austin.