Oct. 14, 2002

Dudley Observatory Celebrates 150 Years

The Dudley Observatory is celebrating its 150th anniversary, beginning with an exhibit and lecture series in the Nott Memorial at Union College in Schenectady. The Dudley Observatory, chartered in 1852, is the oldest independent organization in the United States supporting research and education in astronomy. Its programs range from funding research, to preservation and promotion of astronomy's rich history, to community education and outreach.

The exhibit, "Reaching for the Stars: The Story of the Dudley Observatory," will open on Sunday, Oct. 20, with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. in Nott Memorial. Safe solar observing will take place, weather-permitting. The exhibit runs through Dec. 22 and is free and open to the public.

Dudley has had a long history of Rensselaer involvement. Current board members include Samuel Wait Jr., associate dean of science, Stephen Wiberley, professor emeritus, and Wayne Roberge, professor of physics; President Jackson also serves as an ex officio member. Roberge will be a featured speaker at the Nov. 24 panel discussion on "The Future of Astronomy" at 2 p.m. in the Nott Memorial.

For more information about Dudley and its sesquicentennial celebration, go to http://www.dudleyobservatory.org. For more on the exhibit and lecture series, go to http://www.union.edu/Gallery/Upcoming.htm.