Media Relations
William Woods University

A William Woods University professor plans to host an astronomical viewing series on campus, using WWU’s massive 14-inch telescope.

The next event is a viewing of Jupiter and its moons, scheduled at 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the library parking lot on Ewing Street, just across from the university’s stables.  It is free and open to the public.

 

Dr. Joseph Kyger, assistant professor of chemistry, will be assisted by two students, Jin-He Wang from Taiwan and Xia Gu from China. Both are at WWU pursuing Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.

 

This viewing series would not have been possible a mere four years ago, before the observatory atop the Cox Science and Language Building was refurbished.  

 

In 2007, the university’s grant writing class, taught by Dr. Stephanie Wells, assistant professor of English, worked with Kyger and Scott Miniea, associate vice president for university advancement, to write a grant seeking funds for the renovation of the observatory and the purchase of a new telescope.

 

The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation in Mexico, Mo., donated more than $10,000 towards the project. The university also received funds from various alumni donors that were used to fund the telescope project.

 

The observatory was refurbished by 2008, and a Meade LX200R 14” Advanced Ritchey Chetien Astronomical Telescope was purchased. This model was the most widely used, professional-grade research telescope available at the time. A Sony GPS Receiver Sensor, and other computer and photographic equipment were also purchased to complement the telescope.

                                                           

In 2008, Kyger talked about how important the telescope would be to the university, “First, it is going to provide us with a new common studies science course (astronomy). Secondly, it is a wonderful selling point for our university. It is also going to provide opportunities for the youth of the community.”

 

The observatory and telescope have done all that and more, being used for numerous events, including viewings by local Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops. Kyger set up the telescope at Crane’s Store in Williamsburg for a 2008 One Read Program in conjunction with the reading of the book, “The Whistling Season.”

In addition, William Woods students have done service-learning projects with South Callaway Middle School and provided an assembly and viewing for Kingdom Christian Academy.

 

The 2011 astronomical viewing series began Sept. 12 when Kyger held an event for students to view the moon. He and his student assistants pointed out the geographical features of the lunar landscape, and gave students a better idea for the geologic age of the moon. Kyger also took pictures of the moon in full phase with the telescope.

 

“It’s always exciting to have a telescope viewing on campus,” Kyger said. “If you haven’t looked through a quality telescope, like the one the university owns, you’ll certainly be amazed.”

 

Kristen Withrow, a junior equine general studies major, attended the event and explained that, “Through the telescope, the Sea of Tranquility and other features of the moon took on a unique aura of reality, looking more like the rugged Arizona landscape than the lunar glow I so commonly stop to admire.”

 

Kyger plans other viewing events that will include Saturn and its rings, the Orion Nebula and other deep space features. At least one of the future events will be viewing the moon at or just past first quarter phase.

 

“That’s when we’ll get the best views of the lunar landscape right along the sunrise-sunset line,” said Kyger.

                                                          

CUTLINE:

Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility and Apollo 11 landing site) – northeast quadrant of the moon.