Sherzer Observatory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sherzer Observatory |
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Sherzer Observatory at dusk
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| Organization | Eastern Michigan University | ||||
| Location | Ypsilanti, Mi | ||||
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Coordinates
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42°09′18″N 83°22′22″W / 42.1550°N 83.372856°W
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| Established | 1878 | ||||
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The Sherzer Observatory is a special place for looking at stars and planets. It is located at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The observatory first opened in 1903. It was built with a new science building. After a big fire in 1989, a new observatory was built. It opened in 1991. This new observatory has a powerful 10-inch telescope. It sits under a large 6-meter dome.
Contents
The Story of Sherzer Observatory
Early Days and First Telescopes
The story of Sherzer Observatory began with a gift. The people of Ypsilanti gave the Michigan State Normal College a 4-inch telescope. This special telescope was made by a famous company called Alvan Clark & Sons. The first observatory was on a building called Pierce Hall. Sadly, a tornado damaged it in 1893. It was then moved to the top of the new Natural Science Building in 1903.
The building and observatory were later named after William Sherzer. He was a science professor at the school. He got the idea for the new building after seeing similar places in Germany.
New Telescopes and Student Work
In 1928, a larger 10-inch telescope was added. This telescope was made by John E. Mellish, who was a telescope maker. It was placed on a special mount built by physics professor Edwin Strong. Students used this telescope to collect data about space. They also used a brass transit telescope.
Challenges and Rebuilding
During the 1970s and 1980s, students helped keep the observatory working. They made many updates and repairs. In 1989, a big fire destroyed almost half of Sherzer Hall. The original observatory was also lost in this fire. But the university decided to rebuild it.
The new observatory opened in September 1991. It has a 10-inch apochromatic refractor telescope. This telescope is very good at showing clear images. It is placed under a 6-meter dome. In 1997, a classroom and computer lab were added. More telescopes were also brought in for students to use. These included telescopes from 8 to 14 inches in size.
In 2008, another observatory was added to the rooftop. This one has an automated 8-inch telescope. It is used for taking pictures of space with special cameras called CCD cameras.
About Sherzer Hall
Sherzer Hall is an important building at Eastern Michigan University. It is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sherzer Hall is one of four buildings that are part of the Eastern Michigan University Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The building was designed by E. W. Arnold. It has survived two fires over the years. Sherzer Hall has red-brick walls. Its design mixes a few styles, like Romanesque architecture and Georgian architecture. This makes it look unique. Sherzer Hall is also home to the Sherzer Observatory. The observatory was first started in 1878 and moved to the top of Sherzer Hall in 1903.
