ATM demise

["Jon Bertrand"<jonb@cirris.com>]

I think perceptions of ATM's demise are largely caused by perceptions of
astronomy's demise.

And that's largely caused by _light_pollution_.

I remember the milkyway - from my front yard (only twenty-five years ago in
Albuquerque).  Every kid I knew could name dozens of constellations, find the
planets, and some could name several stars.

In the last two years I haven't found a single kid who could find the big dipper
(we are talking 10+ kids here).  Your lucky if you can find it through the
orange glare around here.  Similarly, the adults who were just behind me in
generations also can't navigate the heavens.  

Still, when I show these kids and adults a few constellations, then let them
look through my 8" scope they're very interested.  When I tell them of my 10"
mirror grinding adventure they all say "Wow, I'd love to make a scope like
this."  I see all the same interest and enthusiasm I had as a kid.

I'd say it's not on the decline - it's just "storing some potential" to be
released when light pollution is brought under control.


Jon Bertrand
jonb@cirris.com