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.
Osten Observatory "Open House" Schedule for the 2009-10 school year
Sept. 3
9 – 10:30 p.m.
See a pretty double star, a cluster of stars and a dying star. Plus, see Jupiter and its moons, and get a good view of Earth’s moon.
Oct. 1
8 – 9:30 p.m.
See a pretty double star, a cluster of stars and a dying star. Plus, see Jupiter and its moons, and get a good view of Earth’s moon.
Oct. 8
8 – 9:30
See a pretty double star, a cluster of stars and a dying star. Plus, see Jupiter and its moons.
Nov. 5
8 – 9:30 p.m.
See a pretty double star, a cluster of stars and a dying star. Plus, this will be the last chance to see Jupiter and its moons until next fall.
April 18-22
8 – 9:30 each night
See some great sights from the solar system – the Moon, Mars and best of all Saturn! Plus, get a chance to see a cluster of hundreds of thousands of stars.