Spectrum
The University of Utah
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INSIDE:
Newsletter for friends and alumni of
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Observatory Sees First Light First images being viewed by Willard L. Eccles Observatory at Frisco Peak.
First Light Bolide Meteor Student Symposium Science Day Upcoming Events
CALENDAR December 11, 2009 Fall Classes End January 11, 2010 Spring Semester Begins January 18, 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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February 15, 2010 President’s Day Holiday
April 7, 2010 Frontiers of Science The Search for Ear th-like Planets Around Other Stars
Renovations Astronomy Film Festival GradSAC News
March 10, 2010 Frontiers of Science Cloaking: Where Science Meets Science Fiction March 22-27, 2010 Spring Break
Awards, Achievements & Promotions
T
he new Willard L. Eccles Observatory’s 32” reflecting telescope took its first pictures the night of Oct. 15, 2009. The new observatory, with telescope built by DFM Engineering, is located at an elevation of about 9,600 feet on Frisco Peak, near Milford, Utah. The university announced plans for the telescope in 2006, and Associate Professor Wayne Springer says he is “relieved, excited and exuberant” that it has started observing the sky.
T
o celebrate the initial operation of its new $860,000 research observatory, the department held a “first light” celebration, on Nov. 11, which included a symposium and reception in the James Fletcher Building. During the symposium, Department Chair and Professor Dave Kieda summarized efforts to build the university’s new astronomy program. Springer discussed the observatory’s status and its first results. Assistant Professor Kyle Dawson discussed the department’s involvement in an international observing project known as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III, particularly a portion of the program that will study the mysterious “dark energy” believed to make up 73% of the universe. College of Science dean Pierre Sokolsky, discussed how private donors have helped the department’s efforts. Springer says sources of the The “first light” photo is an edge-on view observatory’s funding included $600,000 from the Willard of the spiral galaxy NGC 891, said Wayne L. Eccles Foundation, $160,000 from the Katherine W. and Springer, who heads the project. Ezekiel R. Dumke Foundation, $40,000 from the University and another $60,000 yet to be raised.
Springer is also applying for a $300,000 grant from the
Off-The-Wall Demonstrations Story suggestions, upcoming events & comments always welcome. Contact us at newsletter@physics.utah.edu or contact Kathrine Skollingsberg at (801) 585-0182 © 2009 University of Utah
SPECTRUM Volume 1, Issue 2 Fall 2009
(From left) Wayne Springer, Dave Kieda, & Steve Denkers at the Ground Breaking Ceremony on July 16.
National Science Foundation so the telescope can be operated remotely from campus, 250 miles away. He hopes this will be achieved by the end of summer 2010. “I’m very excited about the possibilities with an observatory located on a mountaintop in a region with dark skies,” he says. “We will certainly utilize the facility for education of students and for public outreach opportunities,” including star parties in Salt Lake City that will use the telescope by remote control.