University of Southern Colorado dedicates Southern Colorado Observatory
at Greenway & Nature Center
Pueblo -- The University of Southern Colorado invites
teachers at all grade levels to follow the stars and inspire their students to
learn about space by attending a dedication ceremony next week for the Southern
Colorado Observatory.
The dedication will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, (Nov. 2) at the Max Watts
Interpretive Center of the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo. The observatory
is located south of the Raptor Center and is accessible by trail. Participants
are encouraged to wear walking shoes.
A news conference will precede the ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Watts Center.
Speakers at the event will include Nebraska teacher and black historian Vicki
Troxel, Scientist and Engineer Arun Majumdar, Lick Observatory (San Jose, CA)
Resident Astronomer Elinor Gates, and USC representatives.
USC announced one year ago that a $200,000 grant for Hispanic Serving
Institutions from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research would be used to
purchase and house a large telescope for Southern Colorado that would enhance
science and engineering research and education.
According to William Brown, USC assistant professor of electronic engineering
technology, one of the research projects planned for the observatory is to
search for Near Earth Objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets that could
pose a threat to the Earth.
The telescope will be available to schools and other institutions, and images
will be accessible through the Internet. The observatory will offer students and
teachers access to workshops, on-site labs, and guided tours.
The University of Southern Colorado is a regional, comprehensive university
emphasizing professional, career-oriented and applied programs. Displaying
excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and
outreach, USC is distinguished by access, opportunity and the overall quality of
services provided to its students.
