Staff Writer: Maya Pontes
Email: mpontes4@umassd.edu
Have you ever wished upon a star? UMass Dartmouth students surely have.
This semester, students can visit the Hirshfeld-Dowd Observatory during their open houses to gaze upon the stars.
The events are hosted by the Physics Department and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England.
The 16-inch telescope not only allows students to further their education in astronomy or astrophysics, but it also creates a lovely community event for anyone curious about the wonders of the sky.
With a clear night sky, October 22nd was a prime example of how science can bring people together. The events are free and open to the public.
The open house provides a two-hour window for those in the community to learn more about what is just outside our reach. Physics Department faculty guide the event by operating the telescope and providing insight into what is visible.
The observatory itself is a symbol of student advocacy and devotion to education. Faculty and students designed and built the dome, which first opened in the Fall of 1992 and has been maintained ever since. One renovation of the dome, funded by donations and grants, demonstrates the community support for this tradition.
The dome rotates 360 degrees, with the center opening, to allow full coverage of the sky. During the event, students observed the moon, various star clusters, and even planets like Venus.
Students from majors attend the events to take advantage of the technology. Marketing student, Lizzie Foley, expressed appreciation that these events are free and open to the public. Although she does not study astronomy, she attended the event to see what the observatory was all about.
Foley observed a dwarf star during her visit, noting, “…it was interesting to see the community brought together from people in and outside of the university.” Events like these create opportunities for people to explore their interests regardless of their career path or studies.
Foley emphasized the value of investing in technology is for the school community, making it impactful that the facility is supported by the community it serves.
What may appear to be an academic resource also serves as a way to bond with others over a common fascination.
Supporting student needs both academically and socially through community events contributes to a successful school environment.