Photoelectric Photometry Newsletter

A Belated Report on a Meeting About Small Telescopes

The Lowell Observatory has started a series of annual (?) meetings on interesting scientific and educational topics. The 1996 meeting was on the role of small telescopes in astronomical research and education; the 1997 meeting was on "solar analogues". After the 1996 meeting, I had asked Werner Scharlach (Tucson) to prepare a brief report, which he did. But I never included it in this newsletter. The last section of his report is still of great relevance and interest.

"My feelings can be summed up: (1) the individual astronomers showed concern about the current ongoing situation (about issues such as the closing of small telescopes at national observatories); (2) they are anxious to solve the problems; (3) they are eager to co-operate with each other, and thus they hope to (a) pursue their careers; (b) encourage their students, who are the next generation; and (c) carry out what some see as their civic duty in the field of education and service to society.

There was also discussion about educating the public about the relevance of research to society. The next generation of an observatory's trustees will come from the public. Public money is the ultimate source of funding!

I was encouraged because of the enthusiasm I saw in many of the speakers. It was pointed out that, at this critical time, just as the funds are dwindling, astronomy is at a critical juncture because of new technological developments, which hold the prospect of useful new discoveries, which will benefit everyone. Ironic, indeed!"