NEO Objects!

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NEO Objects!

by gmat_for_life » Mon Feb 15, 2016 6:29 pm
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 combing 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.

Hello Experts,
The official answer to this question is option E... Could you please answer my question below?

The argument's conclusion is essentially that telescopes should be kept for uses other than 'FINDING' NEO's. Doesn't option E strengthen the argument? If Astronomers primarily use telescopes to provide follow ups after discoveries have been made, it basically strengthens the argument that telescopes can be utilized for other purposes other than 'FINDING' the NEO's(such as aiding in follow ups and all)...please help...
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

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by GMATGuruNY » Tue Feb 16, 2016 8:40 am
gmat_for_life wrote: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 combing 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.
Premise: Amateur astronomers are capable of accurately determining the orbits and motions of NEOs.
Conclusion: Larger, professional telescopes should be reserved for uses other than finding NEOs.

Notice the LANGUAGE SHIFT.
Whereas the premise is about DETERMINING THE ORBITS AND MOTIONS OF NEOs, the conclusion is about FINDING NEOs.
For the conclusion to be valid, WHAT MUST BE TRUE?
That a telescope used to DETERMINE THE ORBITS OF NEOS can also FIND NEOs.
One way to weaken the conclusion is to attack this assumption.

E: Amateur astronomers primarily provide follow-up observations after NEO discoveries have been made by the use of larger, computerized telescopes.
Here, discoveries of NEOS are made primarily by LARGER TELESCOPES, invalidating the assumption that the smaller telescopes of amateurs can FIND NEOs and weakening the conclusion that larger telescopes can be reserved for other uses.

The correct answer is E.
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by gmat_for_life » Thu Feb 18, 2016 6:22 pm
Great explanation Mitch!!! thank you!! :)

Regards,
Amit

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Feb 21, 2016 10:59 am
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