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Providing Small Grants to Observatories and Uniting Groups and Individuals in Asteroid Research

Providing Small Grants to Observatories and Uniting Groups and Individuals in Asteroid Research. By Ray Pickard, Bathurst Observatory Research Facility, Australia. Outline of Presentation. Where we currently stand, what I do. Answering the questions Problems and challenges.

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Providing Small Grants to Observatories and Uniting Groups and Individuals in Asteroid Research

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  1. Providing Small Grants to Observatories and Uniting Groups and Individuals in Asteroid Research By Ray Pickard, Bathurst Observatory Research Facility, Australia.

  2. Outline of Presentation • Where we currently stand, what I do. • Answering the questions • Problems and challenges. • Sourcing those with knowledge across wide ranging fields. • Communication and reporting.

  3. Bathurst Observatory, keen to do asteroid research for many years! • A privately operated small observatory • Primary function is public outreach and education. • Donation only entry • Relies on small grants for equipment. • Research focus is primarily meteorites, asteroids and comets. As well as imaging for public interest and outreach.

  4. The questions? • My answers to question 6 of the asteroid initiative form the basis of my paper. • Importance of involving people from both hemispheres. • 1. Overall worldwide, dual hemisphere coverage. • 2. There is vast amount of equipment already in existence, or people with knowledge in specific areas.

  5. Grants • Since government rules do not permit monetary grants directly to international partners, equipment grants should be considered. • Cheaper option than space based telescopes. • Not to used as wages! • Problems of the past! The saga of our 0.5 metre! • We are too small, private operated, not interested. Opportunities lost.

  6. Involving the Community • We operate on a donation basis, with occasional grants. • Primary function of the observatory is education. • Southern hemisphere coverage. (Night in Australia while day in U.S schools) • Development of Educational programs. • Links to meteorite research and outreach programs. • Using the NASA brand to attract other grants. • We have already starting planning with a major university as a result of this conference.

  7. What can be done short term? • Alert or centralised communication system. • Follow ups and networking with people interested. (We have commenced this phase) • Small equipment grants for pilot study. • The threat of NEO’s is not just a one nation problem. It needs a worldwide and coordinated approach.

  8. Benefits • Media exposure. • Trials before installation of larger systems. • Public awareness and education. • Southern Hemisphere coverage. • Links knowledge of meteorites (gifts from NEO’s that got too close). • Technology and communication systems.

  9. Questions? • I would be happy to send pdf copies of the full paper to anyone wanting them. • Further suggestions, comments or offers help can be emailed to info@bathurstobservatory.com.au • There is also a Facebook page for Bathurst Observatory Research Facility.

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