Yes!
Just got back to the UK - got very little from the observing run (more on which soon) - but Andy’s reporting that the UK is at least temporarily back in Gemini. The release from the board, here says negotiations are underway, but the important thing is that those astronomers who’d put so much effort into getting time for the next few months will get the results from their efforts. Writing observing proposals takes a huge amount of time and effort, and for people to be successful only to see their time whisked away from them was heartbreaking. Obviously, a lot will depend on the outcome of the talks, but this is a good start.
Just a thought, though - the UK flag had been removed from in front of the Gemini HQ in Hawaii. I hope they didn’t burn it…
on February 12th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I’ve got EVERYTHING crossed!
on February 12th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Quote “Just a thought, though - the UK flag had been removed from in front of the Gemini HQ in Hawaii. I hope they didn’t burn it…”
lol Chris
Did you have time that would have been affected? May I suggest you nab Bill as a co-author on proposals you submit to Gemini? Nudge Kevin to do the same too.
on February 12th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I bumped into one of the Gemini scientists after the run… and asked if we could have ‘our’ flag back! He said no, it belongs to Gemini office (with a very big grin!).
Much better news if people get their runs back though - phewwwwww.
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
A glimmer of hope for UK astronomy?…
UK research astronomy, space science and physics is currently going through a pretty rough time at the moment. This is due to an anticipated £80m worth of cuts in the budget of the Science & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) who fund much of …