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Is the Canadian Arctic the Future of Astronomy?

Posted by samzenpus on from the planets-and-poutine dept.

sciencehabit writes "Frigid temperatures, dry air, and endless nights should, in theory, make the polar regions top spots for ground-based optical astronomy. So far, Antarctica has been getting all the action, with a handful of optical telescopes peering into the sky from the icy continent. But a new study indicates that the Canadian high Arctic is also a good spot for ground-based optical astronomy. In fact, the great white north offers some practical advantages over the Antarctic."

3 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. Scientists can finally smash the stereotypes by antifoidulus · · Score: 3, Funny

    In addition to the scientific benefits, scientists can also finally put to rest the stereotype that nerds are weaklings. Since they will have nothing else to do during downtime, they can prove how manly they are through engaging in polar bear combat and then blogging about how to prepare and eat polar bear steaks. Nothing manlier.

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    Monstar L
  2. Re:Firstly... by Eunuchswear · · Score: 4, Funny

    If you're using Mercator you're not really into maps.

    http://xkcd.com/977/

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    Watch this Heartland Institute video
  3. Re:alaska anyone? by Existential+Wombat · · Score: 3, Funny

    Actually, globes are not provided, for fear of upsetting those who believe the Earth is flat.