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CONTACT:
Diane Rechel
Public Affairs Coordinator, NAU Public Affairs
(928) 523-0611 Diane.Rechel@nau.edu
NAU- Stellar new telescope
modernizes NAU's Campus Observatory
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Sept. 25, 2008)
A new telescope at Northern Arizona University is bringing the heavens closer to campus and the northern Arizona community.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a new 20-inch telescope equipped with a digital camera system that can transport high-quality digital images from the cosmos to students, researchers and the public.
"The new telescope increases opportunities for scientific inquiry and public outreach and offers the best stargazing experience possible," said David Cornelison, chair of the physics and astronomy department.
The telescope is able focus deep into space to see astronomical events that are currently happening or ones so far away they took place millions of years ago. It can be used for viewing directly through an eyepiece, or as a sophisticated digital camera that is capable of photographing celestial objects such as planets, moons, nebulae, stars and galaxies.
"Having a new telescope with research-grade components enhances our strong undergraduate program," Cornelison said. "It symbolizes NAU's commitment to state-of-the-art scientific equipment in its teaching."
With the new equipment, researchers and students are able to characterize or discover stars and measure the sizes, types and rotational periods of stars, asteroids and comets.
Mounted under the dome of Campus Observatory, which opened in 1952, the telescope has all the modern features for collecting astronomical data.
Operated from a control room with computers and monitors, "The new telescope makes it possible for students to make their own observations so they can analyze and publish their own results," said Stephen Tegler, a professor of physics and astronomy. "This enhanced observing experience gives NAU students a big advantage in securing positions in graduate schools or as members of the scientific and technical staff of astronomical observatories."
Tegler said the Campus Observatory plans to increase its public outreach and celestial viewing opportunities. The department also plans to develop a "Friends of the Observatory" program and host special viewing nights each year for members.
Galileo to Hubble and Beyond
Stephen Moran from the American Astronomical Society will present "Galileo to Hubble and Beyond" at 7 pm. Thursday, Oct. 2, in room 130 in the Wettaw Biology and Biochemistry building #88. Moran will honor the upcoming 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic views of the universe by discussing the astronomer's discoveries and contrasting them with findings from the Hubble telescope.
The event is free and open to the public.
Telescope fundraising zooms in on star givers
Like Hollywood's Walk of Fame, NAU has a Wall of Stars.
To raise funds to improve its astronomy education and outreach programs, the Department of Physics and Astronomy is inscribing donor names on metal stars that will be permanently displayed on a four-by-eight-foot plaque of donors in the Campus Observatory. Small stars are $100, medium stars are $250 and large stars require a $500 donation.
Physics and astronomy department faculty have all donated money toward the new telescope. Other funding sources include an anonymous donor, Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Research, College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences and the late Francis McAllister. To donate, contact David Cornelison at (928) 523-7641 or e-mail David.Cornelison@nau.edu.
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