The observatory’s newly installed telescope was far more powerful than their old one.
In fact, with the latest technology being applied, it was probably the most powerful in the world. So much so that every Tom, Dick and Harry wanted to look through it. Of course, this only applied to staff, but even they had to book times when they could jump on for a short session. This process of registering beforehand was introduced in order that the ongoing business of the observatory could be maintained. However, as a result of further budget cuts, it was realised that the idea of booking time slots could be used to open it up for the public. It would only require one staff member to be on duty to supervise and answer any questions. Charging a fee for people to spend fifteen minutes using the telescope was proposed. The program, aptly named SEE FOR YOURSELF, operated for a two-hour period during the middle of the day (when most people were at lunch) twice a week. This would bring in sixteen customers a week.
This highly lucrative money-making program went well for several weeks, with word getting around and a waiting list growing longer every day, before an unexpected incident caused it to go terribly wrong for many more ways than one.
It happened when one of their regular attendees called the supervisor over with a question.
“When did we land on Mars?” he asked. “I didn’t know we did.”
With a smile on his face, the supervisor said, “No sir, of course not, we’ve never been to Mars,”
“OK,” said the customer and tapped a key and brought the image up.
“OK. How do you explain the can opener?”