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**Vikonbarius** · 06-03-2012, 07:37 PM

> Ditto. But not sparky stuff. I'd be measuring the solar wind and zodiacal light, and taking astronomical observations in ultraviolet.

Nearly missed a unique opportunity there. Astronomy has a huge blind spot - daytime. The blind spot affects space telescopes in orbit around the Earth and Moon as well as on the surface on the Earth. On a manned trip to the planets we could see behind the Sun to:
1) Track semi-regular variable stars like Betelgeuse.
2) Observe novas and supernovas.
3) Observe comets and near-earth asteroids.

It'd be a shame if we missed a deadly comet or supernova because the Sun was in the way, wouldn't it? That's what I'd be looking at the whole journey.

06-03-2012, 07:37 PM	#24
Vikonbarius Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 433 Senior Member	> Ditto. But not sparky stuff. I'd be measuring the solar wind and zodiacal light, and taking astronomical observations in ultraviolet. Nearly missed a unique opportunity there. Astronomy has a huge blind spot - daytime. The blind spot affects space telescopes in orbit around the Earth and Moon as well as on the surface on the Earth. On a manned trip to the planets we could see behind the Sun to: 1) Track semi-regular variable stars like Betelgeuse. 2) Observe novas and supernovas. 3) Observe comets and near-earth asteroids. It'd be a shame if we missed a deadly comet or supernova because the Sun was in the way, wouldn't it? That's what I'd be looking at the whole journey.
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