It is a real shame that budgets world wide are apparently being cut for astronomy research. As someone who aspires to become a professional astronomer it does give one food for thought.
There does seem to be little motivation for people to do the rigorous scientific and mathematical training to become a professional astronomer/ astrophysicist. It is surely more profitable to train as a geologist and work for the big mining companies!
When the Soviet's launched Sputnik in 1957 it roused the American government to encourage people to study the sciences and mathematics. However, nowadays, as the pioneering spirit of discovery has waned fewer people are willing to dedicate a sizable chunk of their life (and income) doing the training that leads to a career in scientific research; it is
percived as being uncool and unprofitable. What can we do about it?
"Educate and inspire"
I notice in some of the previous posts on this thread some antaganism. Astronomy benifits from both professional and amateur astronomers doing their respesctive jobs. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. Professionals have greater access to cutting edge technology but they are constrained by funding and the very narrow specialisation that is inherent in modern science. Amateur astronomers
generally have less access to the "big toys" that the professionals use but have the advantage of freedom in deciding what they research, how they do it and most importantly the imagination on how they can achieve their outcomes.
It would be great to hear some comments from professional astronomers who are members of IIS.
Chill
