If We Can't See 'Em, How Will We Lick 'Em?

The story of the possible closure by UC of the Lick Observatory is beginning to spread around.  From space.com:

Lick Observatory is an astronomical research facility in California that has been in operation since 1888. Astronomers at Lick are searching for planets outside the solar system, trying to understand how stars and galaxies came to be, and doing a survey of supernovae to learn about the universe's history. The University of California owns and operates the observatory; however, Lick will soon lose funding. "Citing budget stringency, the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) has announced its intention to terminate funding for Lick in 2018," the observatory's website states. "Lick operations currently cost $1.5 million per year. Unless these funds are replaced, the telescopes will close. Also closing will be the public programs, including access to the 36-inch refractor and the main building." ...

Full story at http://www.space.com/26920-lick-observatory.html

Don't we want to find them before they find us?