Students can stargaze once again

As winter slowly fades to spring and cloudy nights become more the exception than the norm, IU’s Kirkwood Observatory has opened its doors for public stargazing every Wednesday evening. \n“What I like best about the observatory is that it has become such an important part of Bloomington life,” said astronomy department chair Catherine Pilachowski. “It makes very concrete the role it plays by spanning many generations.” \nThe observatory has served that role for more than 100 years. After its initial completion in 1900, then-IU President Joseph Swain dedicated the observatory to Daniel Kirkwood. Kirkwood’s research on comets, meteors and asteroids established a tradition at IU, one valued on astronomical findings. Its purpose has always been focused on astronomy education, research and outreach, compared to other observatories at the time that were also used for timekeeping and other purposes. \n“The telescope and dome cost $7,500 in 1901, which would roughly be $170,000 in today’s dollars,” astronomy graduate student Tala Monroe said in an e-mail. \nThe University funded the initial construction, as well as the continual updates and renovations that take place every couple of decades. \n“Being made of wood, when the last dome rotted, it had to be replaced and taken out,” said astronomy professor Dick Durisen of the observatory’s most recent renovation in 2002. “It was taken apart and given as gifts to alumni, and the new one will probably need to be renovated again in another 15 years.” \nNatural rotting isn’t the only problem the observatory faces. The issue of light pollution has become a growing problem facing stargazers around the nation as well as those right here on campus. \n“While the light totem isn’t really an issue for public viewing, it does affect a few of our classes that do research in that area of the sky,” Durisen said of the IU Art Museum’s exhibit. “The problem with the totem is that it shines right at the zenith, which causes the background to be brighter, right in the area where we look for the faintest stars. If they just turn off the beams that shine up, it would be fine.” \nPilachowski has noticed the increase in light pollution as well. \n“Kirkwood focuses on moons, planets, star clusters, but we just can’t see galaxies anymore because it’s too bright,” she said. \nHowever, the graduate students who staff the observatory haven’t let the light pollution issue dim their enthusiasm for the place.\n“Sometimes in academia, you can get caught up in a fast-paced daily routine,” Monroe said. “Hosting open houses at Kirkwood actually allows me to remember why I am so passionate about astronomy.” \nAnd now each Wednesday evening, weather permitting, students will be able to join Monroe in scanning the night sky. \n“I’ve run past it before and thought how cute and quaint it looks, but have never been inside.” said freshman Beth Kopp of her jogs near the observatory. “It looks a little like an adventure out of a movie or something. I think I’ll try and visit next week.” \nThat sort of curiosity is exactly the type that Monroe hopes will draw people to the observatory. \n“Astronomy is a science that everyone can appreciate and enjoy, and it is even better when you can enjoy the enthusiasm of others,” Monroe said. “The Kirkwood Observatory provides an open door for people of all ages who have an amazement of the cosmos and want to understand and know it better.”