Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpius51
I think that radio astronomy has played a very significant role for many decades, and yes, its' role will quite likely become even more so. But, to say that optical astronomy has had its' hey day would provoke a very negative reaction from the astronomical community. I assume that you are using 'optical' in the general sense that refers to the use of glass lenses and mirrors. However, astronomers use that term to describe observations at visible wavelengths, as distinct from infrared observations, that still employ a similar technology. Now that we are capable of placing telescopes in orbit, free of the Earth's atmosphere, these 'light-based' telescopes can also shine. The Hubble is only 2.4m, and look at what it can do!
There is a new generation of large 'light-bucket' telescopes that are operational now, and several that are being planned for the future. A good example is the Giant Magellan Telescope which will be built in Chile. The ANU is a member of a group of universities (mostly in the US) that are currently designing instrumentation to be used on the GMT. Check out GMTIFS, the ANU's instrument that has been selected as one of the first-light instruments.
Glass mirrors and lenses are far from being consigned to the history books, just yet! This technology complements radio astronomy, and I doubt whether it will ever be replaced by it - certainly not in our life time. But even these projects are potentially under threat from government decisions, here and O/S.
However, to return to the main topic of this thread, I would hope that the WA government doesn't close the Perth Observatory, just to save the amount that a single pollie spends on entertainment each year! The only way that these things can change is by people-power. Unfortunately, the average voter doesn't understand, or worse, doesn't care! We don't have many state or federal politicians that have vision - particularly when it comes to science & technology. If it can't be dug out of the ground today and sold tomorrow, then it's very difficult to hold their attention.  |
Hi John,
Yes John, I should have stated that it is telescopes in the visual spectrum.........my apologies.
I was generally referring to the fact that many major telescopes are being closed due to the lack of funds and in order to fund the JWST and other much larger projects, such as the SKA. Unfortunately, with budgetary constraints something has to go and these all appear to be major ground based optical telescopes, particularly those that operate in the visual spectrum.
Frankly, I was stunned by the number of observatories that face the axe under the NSF decadal survey. A recent article stated “Divestment from these highly successful, long-running facilities will be difficult for all of us in the astronomical community. We must, however, consider the science trade-off between divesting existing facilities and the risk of devastating cuts to individual research grants, mid-*scale projects, and new initiatives.” The full article can be read here
http://www.helium.com/items/2364119-...atory-closures
I would hate to see the Observatory close too, but pollies have no vision here that doesn't extend beyond the next election, but we cannot discuss that here, as it contravenes the TOS, but I agree with you.
The world faces a new reality, but don't expect politicians to change their reality! It just won't happen! Oh, I am soooo cynical!
