Videos from astronomers

[TomK]

Seems some of us scientists also have artistic bents. Here's a very nice time-lapse video taken and produced by a recent observer at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) on Mauna Kea. Hope you like it.

http://youtu.be/NzFZGCJosIY

[PaulW]

Cracking

[TomK]

Paul, have to admit you do come across as a bit of an anglophile! At least you refrained from calling the video a ripsnorter

Glad you enjoyed it though. I think this was the observer's first trip here so they certainly seemed to enjoy the visit. They were also one of the last visiting observers at a UK-governed JCMT. The Brits really are leaving the summit.

[pahoated]

This is a very interesting transition of UKIRT going from a pure science deep space astronomy mission to a near Earth debris and asteroid tracking operation, Lockmart in the lead.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/pr...scope.html
They probably have the contract for the new electronic equipment and computers for automation. UHH owns it, and in partnership with UA and Lockmart to operate it. UHH is kind of shaky, with the university budget cuts but space debris and tracking of asteroids appear to have gained support and funding. Of course, an IR telescope with updated instrumentation and automation is going to have many military applications. UA and Lockmart should get strong funding for the operations, and they will support hiring locals, more towards technicians and computer programmers than scientists. Astronomer is another job position that will largely be taken over by automation.

"Mahalo nui Pele, 'ae noho ia moku 'aina" - kakahiaka oli

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Great time-lapse! The views on Mauna Kea, the star trails, the urban-barren-residential scenes really capture the contrasts we have here in the islands.

[TomK]

HOTPE -it reminded me of my first observing trip to Hawaii. Couldn't believe the combination of tourism, beauty, urban sprawl, desolation and the stunning night sky. I was pretty much awe-struck.

As for PT's post, well, his habit of posting made-up nonsense and pure speculation as fact, all based on a meagre understanding of the subject, continues. It's almost pathological. I could go through his post point by point with corrections, but why bother? He won't get it. I just hope people understand that he doesn't know what he's talking about.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

pahoated-
Most asteroid, debris, and satellite tracking is done by AMOS on Maui. They use the combination of optical tracking on Haleakala and super computing facilities in Kihei. It also was the testing facility for Reagan's Star Wars laser program.
http://www.kirtland.af.mil/library/facts...p?id=16930

[Obie]

Great video Tom, thanks for posting !

[TomK]

There are several telescopes around the world involved in tracking and mapping orbital debris, although the Maui site is definitely one of the more important ones. UKIRT's role in the project (called "planetary protection") is subtly different, but I'll leave that to Pahoated to explain as he's the expert.

[TomK]

Obie,

Not sure if you have seen this one before, but I have posted this before in the long distant past. It's still my favourite MK/astronomy video.

http://youtu.be/XPdTlHK1h_0