My guess is that it was a much better debate than the original 1920's "discussion". I found it extremely exciting and dramatic to watch. As the presentations unfolded I felt really inspired by the history and charged up for the future. For that I would like to thank all the participants heartily. They must have felt inspired themselves.
I agree that public debates have not been too frequent in science, in part because the issues are not ultimately decided by a vote. Maybe this should change. Within the scientific community, funding and the focus of current research are often decided by a vote and public opinion has become increasingly important in defining what research will be supported. Space based astronomy in particular requires resources at a national level and my fond hope is that the future of this type of research will prove to be the real winner of the 75th Anniversary Astronomical Debate.
- Jerry Bonnell
bonnell@grossc.gsfc.nasa.gov