Hi Mark
I agree. It is dissapointing that observatories head in that direction, but no doubt economics plays a major part in the decision. I dont see why they cannot incorporate some element of eyeball observation
.
We are in the initial stages of scoping for a Public Observatory here in Albury - Wodonga, and I will be pushing heart and sole for a mix of eyeballing observation and research. It will be interesting to see how our project developes.
Cheers Petra d.