Full case studies, structured as sections of draft dossiers, aim to highlight issues that might arise if State Parties were to prepare nomination dossiers highlighting the astronomical values of the properties concerned. Examples:
Chankillo, Peru
Risco Caído and the sacred mountains of Gran Canaria, Spain
Short case studies follow the format used in the ICOMOS–IAU Thematic Study on Astronomical Heritage. Examples:
Hortobágy Puszta, Hungary
Jantar Mantar at Jaipur, India
Sydney Observatory, Australia
Movable objects
We have recently introduced movable object case studies in order to document items such as artefacts and portable instruments in a more suitable format. Examples:
Nebra Sky Disc, Germany
Ishango Bone, Democratic Republic of the Congo
The IAU has begun to compile its own list of astronomical heritage sites that are outstanding in the history of astronomy but are not necessarily suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List. The period from the European Renaissance to the middle of the 20th century was an extremely rich one for the history of astronomy and the initial list focuses on sites of this type. Examples:
Uraniborg and Stellaeburgum, Sweden
La Plata Observatory, Argentina
Finding relevant information
You can locate case studies of interest both geographically and temporally using our astronomical heritage finder, or browse a complete list. You could also start from one of our Thematic Essays.