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Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 1970s Volume 1: Report of the Astronomy Survey Committee (1972) / Chapter Skim
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6. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS
Pages 112-124

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From page 112...
... How can thi.s hisloryguide us either in improving the system or, indeed, in finding any developing weaknesses in the partun? Teehnical capability, funds, scientific- competence, and careful planning are not in themselves creative, nor do they lead to great achievements in science: they provide the background against which the human inlellectual drama is enacted.
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From page 113...
... we have developed a critical testing ground and stimulus for advanced technology, which must eventually find important practical applications. The all-wavelength capability provided by space astronomy is relatively expensive; yet the discoveries can be made no other way.
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From page 114...
... Nevertheless. rocket programs do provide an excellent opportunity for university scientists to obtain experience in space astrOnomy.
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From page 115...
... operat.ion, and interpretation of spaee experiments now exists in universities and organizations outside of NASA centers. It is critical that NASA recognize its responsibility to these outskje institutions as well as to iu own eenters.
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From page 116...
... . Basic research grants to astronomy groups in univenities., which are the essential life blood of unh·
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From page 117...
... One quesllon proved difficult for the Committee to answer. It Involved
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From page 118...
... Some cooperation in space experiments ex-ists currently; the lead held by the United States has permitted other countries to use our spacecraft technology without facing independent developme nt com. Such ten· dencies can be encouraged for the future, a.lthough we have not explon!
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From page 119...
... The accumulated nonfederal capitalization is effectively larger than one would derive from the numbers we give, because it was provided at lower prices and involves university buildings and facilities of high replacement cost. Tire program outlined in Chapters 2 and 5 is in addition to current base level of suppon.
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From page 120...
... The Committee recommends increased support for theoretical astrophysics amounting to an additional 53 million per year; it also calls for capital expenditures in dynamical astronomy amounting to S6.S million. Thus the Committee's recommendations in the area of ground-based astronomy involve capital expenditures of $160 million, or S16 million per year over the decade, and increased support and operating funds for new facilities growing to $25 miJiion per year by the end of the decade.
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From page 121...
... Since the High Energy Astronomical Observatory C eAOJ program iJ essentially a new H effort in this extremely important wavelength region, nny attempt to support this program out of funds already authoriud for current program$ would entail the virtual abandonment of entire areas of space science such as the solar or ultraviolet programs-programs that the Committee recommends be continued at or above the present level of etrort. The Committee places the highest priority on the ttEAO program but hopes it could be carried out "M;thout eliminatin& the other important space·aSlronomy programs.
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From page 122...
... The NSF support for operations at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Arecibo Observatory amounted to only S8.5 million in fiscal year 1971; clearly, even drastic ~programming would not prnduce significant funds for new programs. The situation is even mo~ critical for current support of the national optical observatories.
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From page 123...
... The new discipline of infrared astronomy has proved very fruitful; its facilities and resean:h support must be enhanced to take advantage of both modem technology and the important scientific link the infrared provides between physical processes in the radio and optical regions. Theoretical astrophysics, whose tool is the large computer, is a relatively inexpensive subject that needs increased funds.
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Key Terms

  • radio facilities
  • capital expenditure
  • increased support
  • major facilities
  • energy astronomical

  • astronomical observatory
  • astronomy program
  • infrared astronomy
  • optical astronomy
  • capital expenditures

  • sijo million
  • current program
  • space telescope
  • optical array
  • astronomy amounting

  • university radio
  • program calls
  • international cooperation
  • theoretical astrophysics
  • space astronomy

  • nasa astronomy
  • astronomy involves
  • major radio
  • expenses growing
  • radio facility

  • detail shifts
  • nrao help
  • university buildings
  • ultimate tool
  • modem technology


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