Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

A conference devoted to the center of our Galaxy inevitably draws together astronomers from many different tribes speaking in tongues about what they each know to be truly important. We have heard from stellar dynamicists and users of magnificent infra-red arrays, (who are apparently only here by courtesy of a hole in the dust distribution), from molecular radio astronomers and experts on solar MHD, cosmic ray physicists and those who misguidedly believe that understanding the Galactic center is much easier than solving the mysteries of quasars. The Galactic center can lay claim to being the melting pot of astronomy and so it is quite appropriate that this conference should be held here in Southern California.