h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Rod! This was very interesting, thanks. I would like to visit that observatory some day and while I'm there also do some mountain climbing! I didn't know that was the southernmost observatory currently in the world. But we also have here the LARGEST optical telescope in the southern hemisphere, here at the town of Sutherland. It's a very high, cold town in the middle of a desert, so there aren't really problems with lights from surrounding towns. You can check here for a pic and info if you're interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_African_Large_Telescope

Hi Willem,

Furthest South? Yes, I believe so - couldn't find anything for South America at these latitudes - or any mention of sites used on Antarctica (other than that polar one that couldn't justify its upkeep).

Yours is 9+m! Wow!
- and 1 arc second resolution. Hmm, impressive.

Isn't it lucky that someone invented those hexagonal components of the mirrors?

I felt a satisfactory glow when it mentioned NZ as a contributor.


Rod

Rod, thanks for sharing this.

and thank You, Elektra, for taking the trouble to comment


- -
now, where are the like / dislike buttons? So much more helpful, eh?

I'd say, very much 'like'.

What a hair-raising adventure, Rod. I wouldn't like to have been the driver.

What this made me think of what the importance of antipodean astronomy to the world.

Particularly, I was thinking how much we enjoyed 'The Dish':

http://thedishmovie.warnerbros.com/index_flashmain.html

Thanks, folks, for your kind comments.

Y'know, I sometimes wonder about my motives, writing this stuff, and I can't ignore the self-aggrandisement aspect - and yet, you and the other volunteers run this place for, among the other reasons, literacy, education and tolerance.
I feel quite strongly that a little encouragement, especially for less active contributors, would make a difference but commenting on each and every article I read is ... well, impractical.
I have thoughts on how a 'like' system might work - in the, of course, course of time.



The Dish... I don't think I saw it. Now why, I wonder - - - oh yes, working nights in 2001

Must get the DVD, eh?

Definitely. Two words: Sam Neill.

We need to think about this 'like' thing...must ask Pastey...You've got a good point there. Let people know they've been read.

Hi folks. Yes I agree with Rod ... I think more encouragement would help many writers here. I'm sure many more people have read Rod's article than have commented here. In my own case, I am extremely reluctant to comment on any posting here because of my extreme insecurity and actual fear of interacting with people. And even with folks that I know I sometimes don't know what to say or wonder if what I'm thinking of saying might sound stupid. A 'like' button ... well, it is simple and easy to click that, and even though it is not as special as an actual comment that demanded some thought and consideration ... it is better than nothing.