鈥淭HREE million dollars for an overhead projector at a planetarium. My friends, do we need to spend that kind of money?鈥� So said John McCain in last week鈥檚 presidential debate, aiming to highlight what he sees as Barack Obama鈥檚 would-be profligacy.
McCain was talking about a proposed upgrade of the projection system at the not-for-profit Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois 鈥� the state Obama represents in the Senate.
Planetarium managers were bemused, given that their request for federal funding has not been approved. 鈥淚 was really shocked,鈥� says Sarah Beck. Nor is it McCain鈥檚 first swipe: in earlier speeches, he has referred to 鈥減lanetariums and other foolishness鈥�.
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The Adler is trying to raise money to refurbish its 78-year-old Sky Theatre. It will cost $3 to $5 million to replace the existing projector (pictured, below left).
Scientists have defended the planetarium, particularly . 鈥淚t seems to have touched a nerve, especially with those who have worked their entire lives in science education,鈥� says Beck.
US Election 2008 鈥� Science and technology are at the heart of many of the issues facing the candidates. Find out more in our special report.
