天文台
Discover something amazing with 杰克逊的大学’s new 天文台! Gain an unobstructed view of the night sky like never before.
顶级研究仪器
This observatory will contain a high-powered 望远镜 protected by a rotating dome that will open to view the stars and planets! The state-of-the-art 望远镜 is model CDK700 made by PlaneWave Instruments featuring a 700-millimeter aperture to pinpoint stars out to a 70mm image circle. The 望远镜 features an eyepiece that may be viewed from a seated position, fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The project area includes the observatory, a concrete pad where guests may bring their own 望远镜s and plug into a power supply, 在附近停车.
Renewed Interest in Space Prompts Opportunity
This top-quality research 望远镜 will enhance the science curriculum while also welcoming astronomy buffs and stargazers from the community.
With a renewed interest in space and space exploration on the national and international level thanks to devices such as the James Webb Space Telescope, 杰克逊的大学 President Dan Phelan saw an opportunity. While STEM (科学, Technology, Engineering & 数学)入学人数下降, 尤其是在有色人种学生中, 为学生提供亲身实践的机会, practical STEM activities with a 望远镜 provides an opportunity to re-energize students’ interest and bridge achievement gaps.
从构思到完成
Bringing an observatory to campus offers a distinctive opportunity for the College. President Phelan had worked with PlaneWave a few years ago in an economic development effort that resulted in their location in Adrian, 密歇根州. The College has worked with the company to provide course offerings at the Lenawee campus. 与PlaneWave进一步合作, through the purchase of a 望远镜 and related support, offers another opportunity to expand educational offerings.
While construction continues and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for August, some plans for the facility will include: use by students in college courses, 不计学分的课程, community education (public viewing nights) and interest clubs.
成本
Overall building and related equipment cost will be roughly $750,000. 总共377美元,000 is provided by Congressionally Designated Spending (CDS) through the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), 的努力使之成为可能.S. 森. 加里彼得斯. Balance is being provided by the College’s Capital Master Plan Fund.
