Endangered support of basic science

Physical science has become an endeavor of many branches. Astronomy, cosmology, particle and part of nuclear physics deals with phenomena that are far away in time and space from the human environment on earth. hey belong to 'cosmic physics'. In contrast, atomic, molecular, condensed matter physics, and part of nuclear physics are studies of the properties of matter here on earth. We call these studies 'terrestrial physics'.There is a division of physics into 'non-applicable' and 'applicable' fields. The cosmic sciences fall into the first category. The 'applicable' branches are those for which applications are obvious or easily predictable, which is the case for most 'terrestrial physics'. Up to about 1970, both branches of physics received ample support, but a change occured at that time. The reasons are manifold. We are facing a more pragmatic era, concentrating on applied science. Even so, we will always need basic research based on the curiosity for knowing more about Nature and ourselves.