University observatory construction underway

By Aaron Pabon/Contributing Writer

Building a campus observatory has been a dream of James R. Webb, a University physics professor, for almost 20 years.

With a groundbreaking event on Feb. 21 and construction beginning in late March or early April of this year, the idea will become a reality through the creation of the Stocker AstroScience Center at the Modesto Maidique Campus.

Webb, who is also the director of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy at Kitt Peak National Observatory, said the project has been in the works for a while.

“I don’t know why it took over 15 years of effort to reach this goal,” said Webb. “It is a mystery to me.”

The physics professor has been the main supporter for the construction of an observatory on campus.

“I have lobbied the administration, raised money for it on my own, eventually securing a $800,000 private donation that was matched eventually by $160,000 from State PECO funds, to build the observatory,” he said.

With Webb’s own design being used, he worked with both architects and the facility management at FIU to make sure the facility meets the needs of the astronomy students and the community.

The observatory is to be three stories tall with an astronomy lab, a lecture hall, faculty offices, a library, an observation platform on the roof and a 12 to 24 inch telescope. It is also designed to be used in spite of the interference of light pollution. Light pollution is excessive or obtrusive artificial light which dramatically reduces the visibility of stars, and is a major concern for both professional and amateur star gazers.

“Light pollution is a very serious problem in America, Miami, Kendall and all across the world,” said Webb.

Since the observatory is not a research observatory, it does not need a completely dark sky and is designed to work in a light-polluted area.

The observing pad and the dome are to be constructed above the Chemistry and Physics building and Owa Ehan. This is to give an unobstructed view of the night sky, compared to stargazing at the ground level. It is also said to closely resemble the bridge of the USS Enterprise from the popular science fiction franchise, Star Trek.

“The great thing about it is, it will have the feel of being in a ‘starship,’ but it won’t be a Hollywood stage, it will be an optimized, fully functional telescope control room” said Webb. “This room will be as close as you can get to exploring the stars.”

Other professors on campus have also been involved in the project, among them Dr. Walter Van Hamme,  professor and chairperson of the Physics Department and Dr. Caroline Simpson, associate professor of physics.

The Observatory will be open to students, both science and non-science majors.

“Our frequent star parties and events will afford every FIU student a chance to look through the telescopes,” said Webb.

The FIU Astronomy Club will have a dedicated space to hold meetings. The center is currently looking for funding for a 24-inch lens telescope for the main dome. Construction is expected to last through December of this year.

“By spring of next year, we should be in the facility and using it for classes,” said Webb.