Perkins Observatory
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Perkins Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Delaware, Ohio. It is owned and operated by Ohio Wesleyan University.
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[edit] History
The observatory is named for Hiram Perkins, who funded its construction with money he earned running a hog farm that fed Union troops during the US Civil War. Perkins was also a professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Ohio Wesleyan University. He died during the construction of the observatory.
When the observatory was built in 1923, it housed a 60-inch telescope with a mirror borrowed from Harvard University. The Observatory's own mirror, a 69-inch, was installed in 1931 and made the telescope the third largest in the world at the time. In 1961, that telescope was moved to Lowell Observatory's dark sky observing site on Anderson Mesa in northern Arizona, where weather conditions are much more favorable for astronomical observations. The Perkins dome now houses a 32-inch telescope, which is one of the largest in Ohio.
[edit] Influence
Astronomer Philip C. Keenan spent virtually all of his professional life as an astronomer working at Perkins Observatory. (He was employed by the Ohio State University, not Ohio Wesleyan.) Using the 69-inch telescope he spent nearly 30 years taking spectrographic plates of vast areas of the night sky. In collaboration with William Wilson Morgan of Yerkes Observatory, Dr. Keenan helped to create the M-K System of Stellar Classification. (“M” is for Morgan and “K” is for Keenan.) This is the most common stellar classification system used by astronomers today.
In 1932 the Director of the Observatory began publication of a small in-house magazine known as “The Telescope.” At first it dealt primarily with research and current events related to Perkins Observatory, but in following issues it expanded its coverage of topics somewhat. In 1941 it merged with another small astronomy magazine known as “The Sky” to create “Sky & Telescope Magazine.”
The radio telescope known as Big Ear was located on Perkins Observatory property from 1963 to 1998. It was famous in part for its work on SETI and the Wow signal detected in 1977. (Tragically, Big Ear was torn down in 1998 to expand a local golf course.)
In the 1990’s, Tom Burns, a member of the Columbus Astronomical Society and professor of English at the Ohio Wesleyan University, became Director of Perkins Observatory. He greatly expanded the Observatory’s public programs and visibility in the central Ohio area. A collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship was also established with the Columbus Astronomical Society. (In exchange for monthly meeting space and observatory access the CAS provides volunteer assistance with the many public programs.) Unused office and storage space was converted into exhibit areas, a children's area and a small gift shop.
Currently regular programs are held every Friday and Saturday night throughout the year. Programs are held on other evenings and during the day by special appointment. A monthly lecture series detailing various current topics in astronomy is ongoing. Occasional special events (like telescope fairs, celebrity guest lecturers, and viewings of unusual astronomical events) are also sponsored and organized by Perkins. (Several thousand people visited the observatory to see comet Hale-Bopp in 1997. Each time a notable solar eclipse is visible from Central Ohio, several thousand pairs of eclipse glasses are distributed.)
Perkins Observatory is now the most visible and most reliable source of information related to astronomy and space exploration in central Ohio. Television stations, newspapers, other local science museums, and members of the general public rely on Professor Burns and his staff to answer questions, provide perspective, make media appearances and dispel misconceptions.
[edit] Challenges
Perkins Observatory faces many challenges as it begins the 21st Century.
Currently, like many public institutions without government support, Perkins faces funding limitations. Although the Ohio Wesleyan University is very supportive, it cannot by itself provide adequate monies for staff, program expansion, or maintenance on the historic building. (An endowment fund has been established, and donations are accepted.)
Since the observatory was designed and constructed in 1932, it experiences many maintenance challenges typical of older, historic buildings. Costly repairs and heating & cooling expenses eat into the limited budget. Also, handicapped accessibility was not a concern in the 1920’s. Retrofitting the building for public use while keeping its unique architectural identity has proved to be difficult, costly, and time-consuming.
The most troublesome challenge that Perkins Observatory must now deal with is the increasing effect of light pollution. The city of Delaware, Ohio is rapidly expanding to the south while Columbus, Ohio expands to the north. Although lighting ordinances do exist which cover the surrounding area, enforcing compliance is a constant struggle. Observatory staff recognizes that the day is coming when observation of deep sky objects will no longer be possible from the site.
[edit] External links
- Perkins Observatory Website
- Columbus Astronomical Society Website
- History of the Student Observatory
- Perkins Observatory Clear Sky Clock Forecast of observing conditions.
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