The search for NEOs (or ”Near Earth Objects”) has intensified greatly

Question

The search for NEOs (or ”Near Earth Objects”) has intensified greatly within the last few years with the emergence of a virtual army of amateur astronomers. By combining their observations into a single database at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, “backyard scientists” are capable of accurately determining the orbits and motions of asteroids that could hit the Earth. Indeed, in recent years much of the burden for accurately evaluating the risks posed by NEOs has been shouldered by amateur astronomers. Therefore, we should reserve larger, professional telescopes for uses other than finding NEOs.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

A. Because of their numbers, amateur astronomers as a group are much more efficient than are individual professional telescopes at accurately determining NEO orbits.
 
B. Because large telescopes are often controlled by governments or institutions, professional scientists do not always have full discretion to use these telescopes any way they would like.

C. Most amateur astronomers do not have any professional training in astronomy.
 
D. NASA has set a goal of finding at least 90% of the estimated 1000 NEOs larger than 1 kilometer in diameter.

E. Amateur astronomers primarily provide follow-up observations after NEO discoveries have been made by the use of larger, computerized telescopes.

chetan2u · Accepted Answer

hi,
 lets rephrase the para-- 
Amateur astronomers have helped in observing NEOs. Other scientist work on these data for further analysis. The bigger telescopes can be kept away for other tasks.

Requirement 
Weaken the argument

Lets see the choices 
A. Because of their numbers, amateur astronomers as a group are much more efficient than are individual professional telescopes at accurately determining NEO orbits.
 The argument focuses on usage of big telecopes. 
 
B. Because large telescopes are often controlled by governments or institutions, professional scientists do not always have full discretion to use these telescopes any way they would like.
 Again, we are not discussing on the control over BIG telescopes but its usage in spotting/studying NEOS

C. Most amateur astronomers do not have any professional training in astronomy.
 Totally out of context 
 
D. NASA has set a goal of finding at least 90% of the estimated 1000 NEOs larger than 1 kilometer in diameter.
 Again out of context.. we are not discussing goals

E. Amateur astronomers primarily provide follow-up observations after NEO discoveries have been made by the use of larger, computerized telescopes.
 CORRECT.. this gives us a reason to undermine the argument
If the role of amateur astronomers comes in ONLY after BIG telescopes have spotted some NEOs, then the use of LARGE telescopes is a MUST for research on NEOs

ans E

Doer01 · Answer

Hi  chetan2u  ,
 Is it safe to assume in choice E that computerised telescope is the professional telescope as mentioned in the argument?

Posted from my mobile device

XyLan · Answer

Doer01 , It's good to be  watchful .
However, Let's  Deep-Dive !

Excerpt from the passage:   
 Indeed, in recent years much of the burden for accurately evaluating the risks posed by NEOs has been shouldered by  amateur astronomers . Therefore, we should reserve   larger , professional telescopes  for uses other than finding NEOs.  
 Meaning : The AAs (  amateur astronomers  ) are providing aid to the  ReliableScientificCommunity , which ideally takes care of finding the NEOs.

Now, notice E:   
E.  Amateur astronomers   primarily  provide  follow-up  observations  AFTER  NEO discoveries have been made by the use of   larger , computerized telescopes. 
- Notice, the impact made by the AAs is  merely  a follow-up.  - Nothing substantial or pertinent is done.  
Thus, one  CANNOT   rely  on the findings/assertions of the AAs.

To answer your query:  
 
 Even if one does NOT  necessarily  incline on the Yes-part, 
  1st half of E :  Amateur astronomers   primarily  provide  follow-up  observations  AFTER  NEO discoveries 
is ENOUGH to  weaken  the belief.

Moreover , One  HAS   to choose  an answer, which  most   seriously weakens  the argument.
 Q-statement: Which of the following, if true,  most   seriously weakens  the argument above?
Surely, E  does  so.

KarishmaB · Answer

The search for NEOs has intensified greatly with amateur astronomers. 
By combining their observations they are capable of accurately determining the orbits and motions of asteroids that could hit the Earth. 
In recent years, much of the burden for accurately evaluating the risks posed by NEOs has been shouldered by amateur astronomers.

Conclusion: We should reserve larger, professional telescopes for uses other than finding NEOs.

We need to say why it may not be a good idea to take away prof telescopes from NEO search. So correct option would highlight some weakness of amateurs or useful capability of professional telescopes.

A. Because of their numbers, amateur astronomers as a group are much more efficient than are individual professional telescopes at accurately determining NEO orbits.

Talks about why amateurs do a good job. Irrelevant.
 
B. Because large telescopes are often controlled by governments or institutions, professional scientists do not always have full discretion to use these telescopes any way they would like.

We are talking about what should be done. Who does it (govt or professional scientists), we don't care.

C. Most amateur astronomers do not have any professional training in astronomy.

Irrelevant. Amateurs are doing a good job. 
 
D. NASA has set a goal of finding at least 90% of the estimated 1000 NEOs larger than 1 kilometer in diameter.

Irrelevant. We are saying that NASA should focus on other things.

E. Amateur astronomers primarily provide follow-up observations after NEO discoveries have been made by the use of larger, computerized telescopes.

Correct. Prof telescopes find the NEOs. Amateurs provide follow up. If professional telescopes do not do their job, amateurs may be useless. 
The option talks about amateur vs larger, computerized telescopes. It is obvious we are talking about amateur telescopes vs the large professional ones.

Answer (E)

VerbalBot · Answer

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The search for NEOs (or ”Near Earth Objects”) has intensified greatly

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