Monday, November 21, 2022
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | [email protected]
The Department of Physics is elevating funds to restore Oklahoma State University’s Mendenhall Observatory, which is at the moment nonoperational and requires updating the telescope management system.
Located simply southwest of OSU’s Stillwater campus, the observatory homes the biggest
telescope within the state, a 24-inch diameter Ritchey-Chrétien optical telescope. Built
in 2001, the Mendenhall Observatory is known as for Dr. Harrison Shepler Mendenhall,
OSU’s first astronomer and professor of arithmetic and astronomy.
Dr. Kim Zoldak, a educating assistant professor and observatory supervisor within the physics
division, stated restoring the observatory would enable distant management of the telescope,
that means it may very well be operated from off-site.
“I received to run a telescope myself as an undergrad scholar, and it fueled my ardour
for astronomy,” Zoldak stated. “The Mendenhall Observatory affords a novel alternative
for our college students and local people members interested by observing the universe
at their very own arms. They can say, ‘Hey, I took this picture myself. I ran this telescope.
I arrange the observations, and this was all me.’’’
Zoldak defined that many individuals contact her about touring the observatory or getting
Boy Scout advantage badges there. She would love to provide these alternatives once more as soon as
the telescope is repaired, together with the prospect to have native highschool and center
college college students expertise the observatory.
Wes Cash, who works in OSU’s Physics and Chemistry Instrument Shop, will assist restore
the observatory and information college students and school in its use.
“The observatory will profit OSU by getting extra college students within the sciences
and by forging a greater bond with folks and the neighborhood exterior of OSU,” Cash stated.
“Most scientists had their first curiosity in science sparked by astronomy or trying
by means of a telescope for the primary time. Astronomy is one thing folks can take pleasure in and
recognize their total life.”
The Mendenhall Observatroy restoration must be accomplished by the top of April. To
assist the Department of Physics attain their $10,000 fundraising aim, go to the observatory’s
PhilanthroPete web site.
Story By:
Kelli Leech, CAS graduate assistant | [email protected]
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