Mike - your words are so true - obtaining a code is certainly within the reach of a good few people on the boards. But I must say that (and I think Michael O'C alluded to this) it is not an end in itself. The concept of an (official) observatory is that it has initially provided data that meets or exceeds the requirements of the MPC and, more importantly, it continues to do so. Otherwise I guess it is no more than a "trophy" Observatory.
The point is, that those who have striven to obtain the code - and don't underestimate the hard graft involved, nor think it is unsurmountable - have longer term aims in mind. In my case, photometry of solar system objects is the niche I've chosen. So far so good, but sloooowww... Others may choose NEOS, still others choose other objects (variable stars, supernova etc).
But once you are on the footing of providing science confidently, I think it opens up a whole new world of astronomy.
And yes Eamonn I got the J65 code with a C8! And a great little telescope it was too - I still have it and you never know, I may get it back into service at some point...
I must, at some point, parse the obsrvaotries out there and see where Ireland lies in the league table - I'd say you might be right!
Once again Mike - many congratulations.
Dave
  