What future has 'astronomy' in Australia?

[fringe_dweller]

Originally Posted by janoskiss

I believe the forum guidelines forbid racism. To our Philistinian members, I sincerely apologise.

Opposition? We have one?

I knew a Phil .E. Stine once, he might be offended?

I thought Australian voters have made Howard El Presidente for life? and gone to a one party sytem at the federal level?

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Yeah. Dictatorship is so much easier. It releases the individual from that last little bit of responsibility that comes with a democratic system.

[avandonk]

I am sorry will change it to what I meant.

Bert

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I agree totally bert. I can not understand how anyone doesn't realise the R&D will always pay off. And often not only in the direction as was initially envisaged in the research program.

[avandonk]

A philistine is not a Palestinian! Sorry to upset anyone.
A philistine is someone who is bereft of any higher thought etc.science art ...
A Palestinian is someone who lives in Palestine or has their origins there.
They are not related. But the term did originate in biblical times.

Sorry for the confusion


Bert

[avandonk]

Just like any good scientist.look at all the evidence,throw out the untrue that does not conform to an internal consistency,and try to come to a rational conclusion.For the time being.That is all we can do.

Bert

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Two forbidden topics: racism and religion; together in harmony! I was just poking fun, Bert! The word "philistine" has come to be a dictionary word meaning "smug and ignorant and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values". So your use of the word was apt.

[avandonk]

I have been around a long time and I can assure you that denigrating any group is an anathma to me.

There are only two sins in this world, ignorance and hypocracy.Both can be stopped by a good education system.This starts at home and goes on from school to uni or trade,and the rest of your life.I am still learning and when I stop I will be dead!

Bert

[venus (Lydia)]

This thread is systematically declining to I don't know what so I'll just say one thing. Concentrate, take a deep breath think about something calm....
WATER

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Well for my part I too see the greatest promise for visual astronomy in the high plateau of the Aussie Antarctic Territory.
As for visionary government .... they will only be as visionary as we prompt them to be.
Best way to do that (for Astronomy) is to get out there & educate, inform, entertain the public about science & Astronomy.
Who is doing a National Science week event in 2006?
There is usually some funding available !
https://sciencegrants.dest.gov.au/NI...es/Grants.aspx
We did one in 2004 & it was very successful, I am hoping for enough support for an event in 2006.
Please don't take this as a sign of support for the current federal Govt, I have strong philosophical & moral objections to many of their policies.
But there are still opportunities for us all to improve things.

[fringe_dweller]

Maybe amateurs are the distant future of 'astronomy' in Oz itself? imagine what could amateurs be using in ten years or twenty years time regarding equipment available to amateurs? IIS could be the future of astronomy in Oz? could be the ozzie NASA?
What ever it is I'm sure its going to have to be cheap with fantastic returns for its money to ever happen -

Venus i didnt know you could spam your own thread! LOL thanks for the link! I DID feel calmer for it OHMMMM

[Greg Bryant]

We do live in interesting times. On the one hand, the UK is reducing its financial contribution to the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) - it will become less Anglo and more Australian (in 5 years it will be fully 100% Oz!). On the other hand, Australia is more involved in international collaboration than ever before - and here I'm speaking of the team collaborations that go into international research, as well as being well-placed to secure the international Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project.

The scientific community has taken a look at what the coming 10 years might hold. Here's what they've said.

http://www.atnf.csiro.au/nca/DecadalPlan_web.pdf

Some light reading...

Regards,

[venus (Lydia)]

Thanks Greg an interesting read there:-)
There is only one answer to *What future has 'astronomy' in Australia?* and that is
summed up nicely by Professor Julius Sumner Miller's famous quote!
"Why is it so?"

[venus (Lydia)]

Astronomy is a valuable commodity to any community. Here is a section from that pdf file you kindly supplied.
Something interesting to ponder.....
• continuing and enhancing our capacity to undertake world-leading research;

• stimulating our capacity for innovation in science and engineering;

• training a new generation of graduate and postgraduate students in science and engineering;

• and, perhaps most importantly, inspiring and educating the public at large.