Good point. But as a boomer myself, I really think our generation cares much more about space and a host of things that are left in the dust today. If there were a lot more interest welling up from the younger folks, I think there would have been a much louder outcry against letting Hubble go. The outreach coordinator of the Rocky Mountain NASA Space Grant Consortium, John Vanderford, told me the other day that "40 percent of NASA employees are going to be retiring in the next 10 years." (Why is that? Are 40 percent of stock brokers retiring in the next 10 years? Are we losing almost half of the rap stars?) He also pointed out that while U.S. universities have plenty of people going into science and math, they are disproportionately from overseas, from countries like China and India. Years ago I talked to a visiting professor from China, who said American students were reluctant to do the tough work of physics, that they wanted to go after money in easier fields. But science is worth doing even if it doesn't pay well. When I was growing up I just assumed the space race was going to result in moon bases fairly soon after our landings. I had a bet with a high school friend over which of us would get to Mars first. OK, with age I realize Mars colonies may not make sense, but a moon base would have been scientifically invaluable. Then the government's abandoning Project SETI, pulling the plug on the Supercollider -- both of these after large committments of money. Grumble, grumble, grumble .... -- Joe
That's an interesting comment on the generational differences. Why is it that young folks just don't care? As geezers have said since the new stone age, what's wrong with these kids? I do wonder. -- Joe
Actually if I was picking on a generation, I was picking more on my own (boomer) generation. Whether it's giant TVs, giant houses, or giant SUVs, it seems awfully important for many of us to display wealth. I think that's what Celestron and Meade were trying to tap into. To some extent, I think the midpriced GOTO scopes were thought of as baubles. It worked for a little while, but not for long. Going after that elusive market (elusive because it was non-existent) caused both Meade and Celestron to drive prices down to levels that had no margin. Ya gotta make a profit if ya wants to stay in business.
As far as those darned kids of today, I think they've got just as much potential as they've got boneheadedness. Same as always.
mc
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