tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34480619.post7934439660972600772..comments2024-03-11T13:47:03.621-05:00Comments on Physics and Physicists: Is Too Much Physics Bad For Astronomy?ZapperZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15861398273820851809noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34480619.post-49263673788159305962007-05-09T17:48:00.000-05:002007-05-09T17:48:00.000-05:00I think that astronomy in smaller countries, such ...I think that astronomy in smaller countries, such as New Zealand, the "romantic sense that a lone person with a telescope or a piece of paper should still be able to make breakthroughs in the field" still exists.<BR/><BR/>I visited Mt John Observatory in Tekapo, NZ back in 2003. Typically there are only 2-3 researchers working at any one time out there, amateur and professional astronomers working side-by-side. In 2004-2005, from microlensing observations (in collaboration with the MOA group), they were able to find the farthest extrasolar planet at the time. They have had a few upgrades to the facilities since, but the work environment is still that of a lone astronomer starring up at the sky.<BR/><BR/>Kent (aka booom0r).Kent Leunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13883931195606774116noreply@blogger.com