American scientists point to a problematic development in observational astronomy. Large telescopes have enabled novel research activities that were previously unthinkable, including the provision of large datasets. As a consequence, however, fewer students are being trained in astronomy and the operation of complex instruments. Thus, they potentially lose the ability to distinguish between instrumental and real signals in their data. In addition, there is a danger that technical skills that used to be the preserve of research practitioners will now be banished to the realm of supervisors and amateurs. This can lead to professional astronomers acquiring lower technical skills at the expense of creativity and insight into research.
The Importance of Telescope Training in Data Interpretation, Whelan et al., 2019
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