Osten Observatory

Concordia University students and the Seward community reap the benefits of an observatory and telescope added to the campus in August 2002.

The facility on the practice fields at the northeast corner of campus is a marked improvement, Assistant Professor of Physics Robert Hermann said.

“This structure is much more durable and does a much better job screening extraneous light than the old observatory building,” he said. “It is a great addition to the university. Students in astronomy classes are able to see and measure the things they are studying in class. Advanced students are able to do research projects using the telescope. The entire campus and Seward community at large will benefit from open houses and outreach programs, where they will be able to use the telescope and easily see many of the amazing things in the night sky.”

The facility and telescope were a gift from Reuben and Doris Osten of Nashville, Tenn. Reuben is a 1933 Concordia alumnus.

The 16-inch telescope, computer controlled, allows users to enter the name or coordinates of an object on a keypad. The telescope then automatically pinpoints the object for viewing.

“Anyone will be able to see the bands on Jupiter, distinguish the different rings of Saturn, and see distant nebulae and galaxies,” Hermann said.

09/04/08
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Jupiter, a pretty double star, a dying star and a cluster of stars.


10/02/08
8-9:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Jupiter, a pretty double star, a dying star and a cluster of stars.

11/06/08
8-9:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See the Moon, a pretty double star, a dying star, a “small” cluster of stars and a huge galaxy.


03/29/09
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Saturn and its rings, a huge nebula where stars are being born, and two clusters of stars.


03/30/09
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Saturn and its rings, the Moon, a huge nebula where stars are being born, and two clusters of stars.


03/31/09
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Saturn and its rings, the Moon, a huge nebula where stars are being born, and two clusters of stars.


04/01/09
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Saturn and its rings, the Moon, a huge nebula where stars are being born, and two clusters of stars.


04/02/09
9-10:30pm, Observatory Show, Osten Observatory
See Saturn and its rings, the Moon, a huge nebula where stars are being born, and two clusters of stars.

Note: All open houses are subject to the weather. If the sky is cloudy at the time the open house is scheduled to begin, the open house will be cancelled.
Also Note: All open houses subject to construction conflicts. If there is construction in the immediate area of the observatory, the open house will be cancelled.