[Commlist] CFP: Space in Time: From the Heavens to Outer Space

THE WARBURG INSTITUTE
School of Advanced Study | University of London

*CALL FOR PAPERS - Space in Time: From the Heavens to Outer Space 
<https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/events/CFP-space-in-time>*

Papers deadline: 31 May 2023

Conference: Warburg Institute, 12–13 October 2023

*Space in Time* is a forum for new work in the long and global cultural 
history of the space beyond Earth, from the ancient heavens to modern 
outer space. While space history is a vibrant field of study, extending 
across the humanities and social sciences, it often breaks down along 
familiar geographical, disciplinary, and period-based boundaries. In 
particular, the field’s predominant interest remains in the twentieth 
and twenty-first centuries, especially following what is now 
increasingly referred to as the First Space Age. However, while outer 
space undeniably gains in interest in this period, this interest is 
preceded and underwritten by a cross-cultural history stretching as far 
back as the human imagination itself, much of it yet to be written.

*Space in Time* invites work sparking new cross-disciplinary, 
cross-cultural, and cross-period conversations in this field, 
encompassing, but not limited to, perspectives in the histories of art, 
astronomy, cosmology, geography, literature, philosophy, religion, 
science and technology, and intellectual and cultural history at large. 
Contributions challenging traditional approaches to outer space are 
particularly welcome, as well as those working across one or more 
established domains of inquiry and especially across the 
premodern/modern divide. The event is open to researchers of any 
disciplinary background, of any career stage, working in any regional or 
cultural tradition, from the ancient world to the present day.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

  * Shifting depictions, descriptions, and understandings of spaces(s)
    above and around the earth, its domains and inhabitants, in
    different periods and contexts: e.g. the heavenly spheres,
    astrological houses, the apeiron, the sensorium of God, a sphere
    whose circumference is nowhere, outer space, deep space, etc. What
    cosmological, ontological, epistemological, theological,
    metaphysical, aesthetic, ethical concerns have shaped
    representations of superlunary space?
  * New directions in space history. Is it possible to write a history
    of outer space beyond ‘official’ histories of science? How have
    different senses and media informed perceptions and imaginations of
    outer space? How have terrestrial geopolitics, intercultural
    relations, and geographical imaginations shaped extra-terrestrial
    imaginations?
  * Contrasting and complementary perspectives on outer space or the
    superlunary regions—e.g. ‘enchanted’ / ‘disenchanted’, local /
    global, popular / elite, timeless / historical.
  * The Second / Third Space Age in historical perspective. How does a
    long cultural history of space inform the recent resurgence of
    public and private space programmes, controversial developments in
    space industry, space junk, and space tourism, and their complex
    political and cultural dynamics?
  * Sounds of and from outer space, from the celestial music of the
    heavenly spheres to the signals of early satellites’ radio beacons,
    radiotelescopy, and the first sound recordings from Mars.
  * Space, citizen science, and amateur initiatives: e.g. IGY
    Moonwatchers, radio amateurs, amateur astronomy, rocketry, SETI,
    diverse social and historical contexts of astrology, etc.
  * Long history of science fiction and speculative voyages beyond Earth.
  * Space in classical tradition / classical tradition in space.

We stress that these topics are meant as indicative only. If you are 
unsure about whether your topic fits the event’s remit, please do not 
hesitate to be in touch with a preliminary inquiry.

*Space in Time* will be a ‘hybrid’ event, combining in-person and online 
participation. Limited financial support may be available for 
early-career presenters attending in person.

The event will feature a keynote lecture by Dr Frédérique Aït-Touati 
(History of Science, CNRS) as well as invited presentations by Dr Oliver 
Dunnett (Geography, QUB) and Prof. Andrew Gregory (History and 
Philosophy of Science, UCL).

Organizers: Dr Vladimir Brljak (English, Durham / Warburg Institute), 
Prof. Veronica della Dora (Geography, Royal Holloway), Dr Stamatina 
Mastorakou (History of Science, Max Planck Institute for the History of 
Science), and Prof. John Tresch (History of Art, Science, and Folk 
Practice, Warburg Institute).

Please send an abstract (up to 500 words) and abbreviated CV (2 pages), 
along with an indication of whether you wish to attend in person or 
online, to (spaceintime.conference /at/ gmail.com) 
<mailto:(spaceintime.conference /at/ gmail.com)> by *31 May 2023*. Please 
direct any inquiries, including about financial support, to the same 
address.


---------------
The COMMLIST
---------------
This mailing list is a free service offered by Nico Carpentier. Please use it responsibly and wisely.
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit http://commlist.org/
--
Before sending a posting request, please always read the guidelines at http://commlist.org/
--
To contact the mailing list manager:
Email: (nico.carpentier /at/ commlist.org)
URL: http://nicocarpentier.net
---------------