The Department of Space Studies is aggressively promoting a new initiative to construct and operate North Dakota's first professional astronomical observatory. This effort has the potential to significantly enhance the Department's capabilities by expanding its research capacity and the opportunities that will be available to its students. The observatory is also envisioned as a state-wide resource, as North Dakota currently lacks any large, professional observatories in the state.

Following completion of a feasibility study in September 2003 by the architectural firm Widseth-Smith-Nolting, Space Studies has been working diligently to raise the ~$2 million that will be necessary to build the observatory. Led by Dr. Paul S. Hardersen, an assistant professor, efforts are underway to raise money from private foundations, the State of North Dakota, and the federal government. Additionally, a private donor program has been established that will encourage the involvement of individuals, families, and businesses in the establishment of the observatory. As this is a truly North Dakota initiative, the hope is to attract North Dakotans to become active supporters of the observatory.

The observatory will consist of a ~1-meter professional telescope, a hemispherical dome, and a large multipurpose building. The site is on a biology preserve managed by the University of North Dakota and resides within the Red River Valley at an elevation of ~200 meters.

Research, education, and public outreach will guide observatory activities in pursuit of specific programs and goals. Although the observatory is located near sea level, much basic observational work can be accomplished. Various types of photometry, astrometry, and search programs can be conducted that can contribute to a variety of astronomical disciplines.

Master's students interested in pursuing an observationally-based thesis will be able to use a nearby facility that can substantially enhance their understanding of a variety of observational techniques. By understanding observatory operations and how to prepare and conduct a research project, students will be well-prepared to advance to a doctoral program in their field of interest.



State-wide education is another focus for the observatory. Internet and on-site control of the telescope will give educators the ability to teach students about astronomy, observing, and scientific inquiry. As true insight is usually accomplished through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, the observatory will give students practical observing experience that will substantially enhance their learning and understanding.

Support for the observatory from the educational community has been very strong. Thus far, letters of support have been received from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Minnesota; Minot State University, Bottineau Campus; Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt; Lake Region State College, Devils Lake; Jamestown Public Schools; Grand Forks Public Schools; Sawyer School District #16; Lakota Public School District #66; Beulah Public School District #27; Edinburg Public School District #106; St. Mary's Central High School, Bismarck; Century High School, Bismarck; Woodrow Wilson Community High School, Fargo; Hope-Page High School, Hope; Des Lacs Burlington High School; Northwood Public Schools; and Midway Public School, Inkster.

Programs will be developed that cater both to schools that send students to the observatory and those who cannot. Summer experience programs will bring high school and college students to the observatory to learn about observatory operations, observing, different types of astronomical research, as well as developing and conducting their own summer research program. An online program will be available during the school year that will give teachers and students remote access to the observatory in support of their school's science curriculum.

Public outreach represents the third focus area for the observatory. For this, the observatory will serve as a state-wide clearinghouse for astronomical information. With an informative web site and local programs, the observatory will strive to help people learn about the night sky, astronomy, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Scientific literacy is an important societal issue and the need to develop a well-educated, technically-literate workforce is ever-present.

Throughout the year, the observatory will host community classes that will be open to the general public. Class topics will include subjects such as basic astronomy, the night sky, and critical thinking. Also, regular events such as star parties will allow people the opportunity to see a variety of celestial objects that include planets, the Moon, star clusters, and galaxies.

Overall, the observatory's mission is to enhance the quality of life in North Dakota through greater research, educational, and recreational opportunities. With the help of people who are committed to this goal, the observatory will become a reality in a few short years.

If you are interested in donating to the observatory project or helping in another way, please contact Dr. Paul S. Hardersen at (701) 777-4896 or via email at Hardersen@volcano.space.edu or pharder@aero.und.edu.