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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!duke!giles@ucf-cs.UUCP (Bruce Giles)
From: giles@ucf-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: re: IRAS recovery
Message-ID: <1074@ucf-cs.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 15-Nov-83 20:46:56 EST
Article-I.D.: ucf-cs.1074
Posted: Tue Nov 15 20:46:56 1983
Date-Received: Mon, 21-Nov-83 01:07:34 EST
References: <3988@ukc.UUCP>
Organization: University of Central Florida
Lines: 31

I also heard that comment about how long a *full* analysis of the data
will take, but all in all, I would prefer to have a warehouse full of
unanalysed data spanning a few continous decades than just a few 1-2
year "bursts" fully analyzed.  After all, in a few hundred years (or
sooner) we may *desperately* need good base-line astronomical data which
is just "interesting" today.  One good example is the sun's output: is it
really 4% variable (source unknown); is it pulsating because it switches
between thermonuclear and gravitational collapse for its power (neutrino
paradox), ....

As I said, these are just matters of curiousity for a few scientist now;
but if we are ever at the point where we will have to consider macro-
engineering the earth itself (such as if the antartic icecap starts to
slid into the ocean), we will need then to ensure we do not choose the
worst of two evils.  (re: example -- macroengineering the earth so
that the mean temperature drops by 4 degrees C, then discovering that
it was only a solar "burb" as we enter a severe iceage aggravated by the
macroengineering.)

Of course, this implies long-term planning; something definitely lacking
in the last few administrations.  (Proof: look at the Federal Deficit.)

Unfortunately, if IRAS is in polar orbit I can't see any way to save it
either.  Also, your subject heading is definitely less ambiguous.  I did
not realize how ambiguous mine was until after submission.  Sorry for any
severe shocks it may have caused.


			    Bruce Giles
			    decvax!ucf-cs!giles (UUCP)
			    UCF, Dept of Math, Orlando Fl 32816 (Snail)