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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Fellow Chicago Astronomers...

This latest news about the White House opinion that the Hubble Telescope should not be rescued is quite disturbing to me. In an active and intentional decision by the few, the ultimate result will blind "Billions" in the wonders and mysteries of our Universe. There is no comparable space telescope to take it's place, nor is there one on the drawing board planned anytime soon. We will be sightless in space, and true that there are other spacecrafts in orbit and others to be launched, NONE are optical visible light telescopes.

Launched in 1990, it has shown us never before seen objects...Pillars of stellar creation, evidence of black hole existence and multitudes of galaxies rushing away from us into the depths of unknown territory. The Hubble is a gift to humanity, for all to share and learn...and we cannot just stand by and allow it to be destroyed by intentional effort by the U.S. Government.

Here are some facts of the Hubble Telescope and the man it's named after:

hubblesite.org/reference_desk/facts_.and._figures/quick_facts/index.shtml

Congress approves or denies funds to NASA, (which is the smallest funded governmental agency), and the fate of the Hubble seems to lay with them. Below on another thread are the contact resources for notifying our elected representatives. Please do write your congressperson and let them know your sentiments about losing one of the greatest tools of discovery man has ever known. President Bush needs to be alerted of this as well, considering his alleged initiative and push to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Let's help him keep the United Space program strong, progressive and smart.

This is wrong and let's help to correct it.

Respectfully,

Chicago Astronomer Joe Guzmán

[mahesh pherwani]

Yes Mr Guzman

I agree with you ABSOLUTELY. On everything you have
said.

Hubble belongs to all mankind and the Science it generates belongs to the future generations too.

Unlike the Hubble, the decision makers have myopic vision. They must reconsider in Hubble's favor.

sincerely,

mahesh

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Mahesh,

Haven't heard from you in awhile, great to see you post!

This is a world wide situation, not just the United States, and every country should bombard the U.S. Congress and the White House with the right thing to do. Astronomical exploration and the fruits of the effort belong to all mankind, now and future explorers.

Soon, we will hear about the Congressional budget, and see what they have to say about the fate of the Hubble. I understand that the incompetent O'keefe will get his wish after all, annoucing the death toll.

[Vinod Kumar]

Thanks dear for this post.