Daily Image
27-06-2007
A local boy makes good
| Submitter: | Madroon, E.J. |
| Description: | Some of the greatest astronomers hail from remote (but picturesque) villages, often in remote (but picturesque) countries. Consumed by a passion for learning, they are actively encouraged by their exasperated fellow bucolics to leave at an early age, and for many years nothing is heard from them (because the villagers read all the wrong journals). But some of them return one sunny day, leading a cosmopolitan elite of fashionable experts, to debate the Great Questions of the day on the very spot where they once dreamed. The picture shows one of them, undergoing with characteristic humility the blessing of the second major conference that he has brought to his native Greek village. Moments later, he was named an 'exquisite child' of the village, the second-highest honor the community can bestow. (The highest honor, for some unfathomable reason, is to be named Prince of Canada, as may be seen on the plaque in the background. Perhaps the next time?). The entire population (who are all related to him in some way) labours mightily to create the most conducive conditions for profound (and sometimes sober) discussions. Reams of black-clad gnarled old ladies toil over open cooking fires, while the men make sure in the nearest bar that the local wine has matured sufficiently. All are happy to exchange cultural and other ideas with the assembly of international Opinion Leaders. Since it is well-known that astronomy is a difficult subject, requiring many years of study, only the most experienced qualify for attendance, as can be gleaned from the fittingly gnarled heads in the foreground. At this particular conference, the proceedings were dominated by the Dutch, some from ASTRON/JIVE, but mostly from Amsterdam and Southampton. The example of this gathering should be followed much more widely. It is a way to thank the surprised people at our roots, by letting them share in the grand adventure that is astronomy. |
| Copyright: | ASTRON |
| Tweet |  |