Community can see stars at observatory

As any astronomy major can tell you, IU's eye to the sky can be found in the Kirkwood Observatory behind the intersection of Fourth Street and Indiana Avenue. What he or she may not be able to tell you is the Observatory's age -- 106. \nThe Observatory was built in 1900 and dedicated in 1901, according to the Astronomy Department's Web site. It is named after Daniel Kirkwood, whose research catalyzed "a tradition of astronomical research at Indiana University."\nThe Kirkwood Observatory's amenities include a solar telescope and 12-inch refracting telescope for nighttime viewing. R. Kent Honeycutt, professor emeritus of astronomy at IU, said depending on a galaxy's luminosity, one can see "half the distance to the edge of the universe."\nWhile the Kirkwood Observatory hasn't been used for research since the 1910s, it remains a site for student instruction and observation. When it is not closed for the winter season, it is used for 100-level astronomy courses and is open to the public Wednesday nights.\nHoneycutt said the Kirkwood Observatory's original purposes weren't limited to study.\n"It used to be that the students in the Astronomy Department lived in the Observatory -- it must be one of the only labs in the University that still has a fireplace and a chimney," he said.\nA fireplace isn't the only antiquated element of the Observatory -- its structurally inept wooden dome has been replaced because of warping. Honeycutt said its last refurbishment six years ago included the installation of a new wooden dome. The use of a more efficient material -- such as metal -- was rejected because of the Observatory's historical value and proximity to other historical buildings in the Old Crescent.\nAnother problem is the increasing light pollution from campus and Bloomington, which can diminish the viewing capabilities of those using the Observatory.\nDespite this, Honeycutt remains optimistic about the Observatory's future.\n"I think the students enjoy using the Observatory -- it's very well-suited for what it does," he said.