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Honolulu, HI---July 28, 2003---- The new E.L.Wiegand Observatory at Chaminade University of Honolulu will make its debut in a private dedication ceremony on Tuesday, August 26—the same day Mars is at its closest to earth in 60,000 years. Chaminade University Regents, faculty and invited students will take the first celestial tour, following a sunset Hawaiian blessing.
Located above Kieffer Hall on the upper slopes of Kalaepohaku overlooking Palolo Valley, the shiny domed observatory will open the heavens to Chaminade astronomy students this fall. The observatory can be operated by electronic controls from Chaminade’s Wiegand Physics Laboratory in Henry Hall, developed in January 2000.
Chaminade offers both day and evening classes in astronomy, including an increasingly popular online class.
“ The first time someone sees Mars through a telescope, they do a double take when they see the background of lights not visible with the naked eye. It’s pretty spectacular,” says Dr. Jim Miller, Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division at Chaminade University. “Students will now be able to plan projects, gather their own data and study stellar and planetary objects.”
Certified student technicians will use the observatory’s telescope to create observation programs or collect specialized astronomical data. Planners hope to coordinate a program with Sacred Hearts Academy using their NASA equipped Wiegand communications lab to see and talk with American astronauts as the space station flies over Hawai’i. They also plan to make the observatory available to schools throughout the islands for astronomical data gathering and star parties.
The E.L. Wiegand Observatory is made possible through a $67,000 grant from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation based in Nevada. This completes the $145,000 grant awarded by the E.L. Wiegand Foundation in 1999 for a physics/computer laboratory facility and associated ancillary astronomical observatory. The observatory housing was designed by local architect Joseph Lancor, who studied astrophysics at MIT and taught astronomy at a number of California community colleges. The three-year process of funding, building and operating the observatory was spearheaded by Chaminade Physics professor Dr. David Cooke, who is currently on sabbatical.
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a liberal arts foundation that prepares students for life, work and service. Founded in 1955 by the Catholic Marianist Order, Chaminade University is committed to educating future leaders equipped with both talent and character.
With some 2,500 enrolled students, Chaminade University offers 20 undergraduate
degree programs and five graduate degree programs at the scenic Kaimuki
campus overlooking Diamond and Waikiki. Dozens of accelerated courses and
degree programs
are offered online and at nine satellite locations on Oahu military bases,
churches and schools. For more information, call Chaminade University at
(808) 735-4711.
