March 05, 2004
Government to reward amateur astronomers.
The U.S. House almost unanimously passed a bill today that would award asteroid hunters up to $3000 for their discoveries. It now goes to the Senate. The risk of asteroid and comet impact is detailed magnificently by the Australian Spaceguard Survey, which has probably the best page on cataclysmic tsunamis. Just eighteen months ago a meteor hit Siberia, devastating a remarkable 40 square miles.
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The Benson Prize already awards US $300 for new asteroids, but this reward may increase the incentive. Astronomy is one of the few professional disciplines where amateurs consistantly make useful contributions, with most new asteroids, comets and supernovas being found by backyard observers. It's about time they got some recognition.
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Darn %*(#* no-good expiring dynamic link. Try this one: H.R. 912: Conrad Astronomy Awards Act.
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NASA lacks funds to find killer asteroids.
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The asteroids are going to win.