Antique Astronomy

Technology moves so fast that something to do with science from the 1930's and 40's is an ancient antique by today's standards.

This is the 'large' 36" telescope based at the Royal Observatory on Blackford Hill in Edinburgh. It is purely for historic representation now as a modern telescope's focusing mirror wouldn't be a mere 36 inches but would be the diameter of the entire dome that this telescope sits in!

Such massive modern telescopes are situated in places where there are clear skies most of the time and they are at an alttitude so high they are above 90-95% of Earth's atmospheric distrurbance.

Or, up a mountain in Hawaii to you or me.

Which took me back to a couple of cool parties up at the observatory I went to many years ago while doing my PhD. The Physicists who had invited myself and others were doing their PhDs as well. There was a general concensus after a glass or two of wine or beer that they only went into Astronomy to get postings to Hawaii.

Everyone needs a reason for their career choice.