T. von Hippel and M. Mountain
Gemini Observatory Northern Operations Center, 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo HI 96720
Ground-based astronomy in the optical and infrared wavelengths is undergoing a profound renaissance. Advances in material technology, system modeling and analysis, and the ability to correct for atmospheric distortions in real time have produced a whole new generation of powerful large (8m - 10m) telescopes. An equally profound, and perhaps until lately, less recognized revolution in ground-based astronomy stems from the availability of large observational databases and the ability to interconnect and cross-correlate databases that span the electromagnetic spectrum from the radio to X-rays. This paper discusses the scientific impact of such databases and interconnectivity on modern astronomy. Over the next few years such distributed resources will become essential tools for planning effective ground-based observing programs. Moreover, the increased use of such databases and archives will require the development of institutions such as National or International Virtual Observatories to set standards for astronomical database formats, data quality assurance, and access protocols, and also to provide all-inclusive centers for data products and, perhaps, research grant funding support. In addition, ground-based optical and infrared observatories, and their funding agencies, will in turn have to recognize their increasing role as key resources for Virtual Observatories, perhaps profoundly changing the way ground-based facilities operate in support of their communities. It is already clear that users of future large survey instruments, such as the planned Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), will need the infrastructure of a National or International Virtual Observatory to effectively exploit the huge data explosion such facilities will initiate. Beyond the next decade, as ground-based astronomers contemplate having access to only one or two Next Generation 30m - 100m telescopes globally, Virtual Observatories become paramount in integrating multi-wavelength space-based and ground-based observing facilities and their respective data products, into a single system-wide access point.
Presented at CODATA 2000, Baveno, Italy.
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