keele:views images of <strong>Keele</strong> 14 forever:keele | issue : three : April 2008
The KEELE 2008 key fund Annual Project is the development of the Observatory as a regional centre for science and schools <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong> reaches for the stars <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s observatory is set to be restored in a £700,000 project to create a top visitor attraction and promote astronomy and the physical sciences to students and the community. NAFKU donations The North American Foundation for <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong> has received several generous donations since its creation and is now preparing a more proactive fundraising campaign for 2008. We acknowledge those donors who have already contributed over $34,000 dollars to NAFKU. This has enabled the creation of the Neil and Gina Smith Student of the Year Award in 2006, recognising a <strong>Keele</strong> student showing academic excellence and achievement together with an outstanding contribution as an individual to student life and to the <strong>University</strong>. We look forward to announcing similar successful outcomes from the generosity of our North American alumni. 1959 Bernhardt, Bill New York 1963 Hampson, David Ohio 1965 Rauh, Andrea (Shaw) Maryland 1966 Gill, Peter Arizona 1970 Gist, Richard California 1971 Lewak, Ric California 1973 Quy, Roger California 1973 Lane Roberts, Nick Virginia 1974 Hill, Mark California 1977 Carr, Neil Virginia 1980 Smith, Neil New York The <strong>University</strong> plans to add new equipment, demonstrations, simulations and exhibition space to make the Observatory, which was built in 1962 and has long been a feature of the <strong>Keele</strong> skyline, into a regional science visitor centre. Established to house the historic Grubb telescope – which was built in Oxford in 1873 and used by Einstein on a visit to Oxford – the Observatory was expanded in the 1970s and now boasts four telescopes. Generations of schoolchildren have had their first taste of astronomy at the campus’ Observatory, and <strong>University</strong> staff plan to forge strong links between the Observatory and the <strong>Keele</strong>-based Science Learning Centre West Midlands and the <strong>University</strong>’s Widening Participation Unit to enhance community outreach projects. The new proposals would afford even more visitors the exciting experience of physical science, including geology, environmental science and weather systems, as well as providing a home for cutting edge research. Wheelchair access will be improved and the Observatory will be kitted out with up-todate teaching equipment, such as interactive whiteboards and 3D electronic projection, and a refreshment area. Professor of Astrophysics Nye Evans said: “The Observatory has long been popular with staff, students and the community, and this project will give <strong>Keele</strong> an unrivalled centre of which they can be justly proud. The Observatory has made a significant contribution to <strong>Keele</strong>’s activities over the past 40 years and can now continue to do so into the 21st Century.” The Observatory is open to the public every Tuesday between 8pm and 10.30pm (irrespective of weather), except the second Tuesday in May to the second Tuesday in August, and on Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm. i: For more information about the project contact Prof Nye Evans on ae@astro.keele.ac.uk or 01782 583342. For more information about visiting the observatory please contact Observatory Director Mike Brough on mdb@astro.keele.ac.uk or 01782 583414.
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