UND Observatory receives major gift (UND Newsletter 8/11/15 – Jan Orvik)

The University of North Dakota Observatory recently became the beneficiary of a testamentary gift of $150,000.

The gift was announced by observatory director and Space Studies faculty member Paul Hardersen. Space Studies is a part of the UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

Hardersen, who has led significant modernization and upgrades since taking over the observatory in 2005, says this gift opens the way for the long-term financial support for the observatory.

“We are very excited to receive this generous gift,” said Hardersen. “Developing a long-term astronomical education and research capability in space studies will require a sustained commitment with personnel and equipment. This gift facilitates our fund-raising effort.”

Hardersen said he hopes that this gift will encourage other UND alums and supporters to help the observatory reach its goals, including year-round operations. For example, the observatory needs funding for a full-time manager, which would open the door to year-around operations.

“The UND Space Studies Observatory is a major effort whose goal is to increase the astronomical infrastructure in North Dakota,” Hardersen said.

The observatory also acquires and shares images of the North Dakota night skies with the public.

The observatory — located 10 miles west of Grand Forks — comprises three Internet-controllable telescopes:  two 16-inch and one 10-inch aperture. They are used by both UND faculty and students—and students and researchers from around the world—for classes and projects. The observatory also is looking for funding for a  fourth, larger telescope to be built at the site.