Wednesday, April 12, 2006

GMU Observatory Coming This June

I just stumbled across this news:


(click for larger image)

In August of 2004, George Mason University (GMU) began construction on a new building dedicated to research. It is currently referred to as Research 1. On the top of this building, the administration is putting a small astronomical observatory, capable of supporting a good-sized optical telescope (60cm). The architectural sketch above represents the latest design as submitted by the architects at Leo A. Daly Associates.

While the main purpose of the observatory is to meet the educational needs of GMU's students, it will also be a special place shared with our Washington D.C. community. Evenings "under the stars" each month will be offered to the region's residents. During these special nights, attendees will enjoy stimulating presentations on the mysteries of outer space, given by our world class astronomer researchers and instructors. Science teachers for grades K-12 will be invited to bring their students for an astronomy class in the star-studded sky at George Mason University. Views from our observatory will also be shared by millions of people around the world via the internet.

Read more about the history of the observatory and see a current list of astronomy viewing sessions at GMU, including highlights of the night sky.

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