Setting the Standard
One of my duties at Kitt Peak National Observatory is to help astronomers start their observing runs at the 2.1-meter telescope. One of the astronomers I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years is Arlo Landolt. As it turns out, Arlo was none other than Kitt Peak’s very first observer and his first observing run was 55 years ago this week. On Monday, I helped Arlo start what will likely be his last run on the 2.1-meter telescope. Yesterday, we held a celebration in appreciation of Arlo’s work at the observatory.
The reason this will likely be Arlo’s last run at the 2.1-meter is that the National Science Foundation has determined it can no longer provide financial support for the telescope. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory is currently soliciting proposals from institutions interested in running the facility.
The 2.1-meter telescope had not even been built when Arlo started observing at Kitt Peak. There were only a pair of 16-inch telescopes on the mountain. A photo from Arlo’s first observing run was scanned and became the frosting layer for yesterday’s celebration cake.
Arlo’s primary contribution to the field of astronomy has been determining the standard stars against which other stars are measured. These are stars that don’t vary in brightness. He makes very careful measurements of the stars’ brightness as measured through calibrated filters. When an astronomer observes a new object, they can also observe a series of Landolt Standards and determine the brightness and color of the new object. Because the Earth rotates and revolves around the sun, Arlo has had to find these stars all around the sky. This is very important and very meticulous work.
Not only has Arlo provided long-standing service to the astronomical community, he is a gentleman and I’ve enjoyed his company. Not only do we talk about astronomy on the mountain, but he always asks about my books and stories. Last spring, I had the pleasure of visiting him at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and meeting his wife. They made a point of taking me out to the back yard to hear the owl in their trees. They had, as it turns out, read Owl Dance and told me how much they enjoyed it. What fun!
Arlo clearly sets a standard both as a scientist and a person. I hope things work out so that he can get more observing time at Kitt Peak in the years to come.
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What Joy said:How can they not fund the telescopes at Kitt Peak?!
The short answer is that congress has been allocating less and less money for astronomy over the years. With newer telescopes being built, it becomes increasingly difficult for funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation to justify funding open access on 4-meter and 2-meter class telescopes. This, of course, has an impact on research projects at colleges and universities all around the country. Nevertheless, congress can easily spin it as "millions of dollars in cost savings to taxpayers." The best thing that can be done at the grassroots is to contact your representative in congress and let them know that you feel funding for astronomy is a priority -- that it's the kind of thing you want the country to support.
Zizzlefrizt! I'm glad I mentioned Kitt Peak in Strike Three.
How can they not fund the telescopes at Kitt Peak?!