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The financial crisis threatens to shut down the Bulgarian National astronomic observatory at mount Rozhen in the Rhodope Mountains.
According to associate professor Tanyu Bonev, who is the director of the observatory, the problem regarding the financing of the work process of the scientists and the maintenance of the equipment has become chronic.
If we do not receive enough financial aid we will have to close down during the winter. Of course we could resume work next year as we will receive money form the new budget, but it remains unclear whether the most delicate equipment will function well after the closure. The low temperatures during the winter, especially in the mountain where the observatory was build could harm the new and precise appliances.
Sometimes I really wish to be born in the 50's and be a witness to the scientific boom that followed during the 60's, 70's and 80's, in terms of Space Exploration.
Originally posted by Pervius
If they wanted to keep it open without spending money they could let some retired military who get pensions man the outpost.
I'm sure they could find some retired military officer in Europe who would volunteer to man it for the winter to get away from his wife.
Originally posted by absente
Most of you will not know it, but that was one of the last "unbiased" observatories in Europe. It was possible for the general public to "buy time", pointing the 200cm Ritchey-Chretien-Coude telescope into any spot of interest you want. It is still one of the biggest observatories on the Balkans.