Scientists grounded for conference following US government shutdown

The partial shutdown of the US government has continued to affect airport services, which is now having a knock-on impact on conferences and events across the country. The 233rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society was supposed to play host to a Boeing 747 outfitted with a massive telescope the world’s largest airborne observatory. But the plane was not able to make the journey following travel disruptions. In addition, hundreds of government scientists are also no longer allowed to attend the conference, as funding for government services is currently on hold.