Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center Begins Construction of New Observatory.ORACLE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 1999-- On Wednesday, June 16, at 9:30 a.m., Biosphere biosphere, irregularly shaped envelope of the earth's air, water, and land encompassing the heights and depths at which living things exist. The biosphere is a closed and self-regulating system (see ecology), sustained by grand-scale cycles of energy and of 2 Center will break ground and begin construction of a new observatory. The observatory will feature a 24-inch reflecting telescope, a public viewing area and classrooms for one of Columbia University's newest educational initiatives -- the Universe Semester. "This observatory is being built for two reasons," said Chris Bannon, vice president for operations at Biosphere 2 Center. "One is to provide our Universe Semester students a world-class opportunity to study astronomy; the other is to provide the local community and our nearly 200,000 visitors a tremendous new resource to enjoy." The observatory is to be situated on a bluff high above the Center. and will incorporate several cutting-edge environmental features in its design and construction. The telescope will feature the same optical design as the Hubble Space Telescope Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the first large optical orbiting observatory. Built from 1978 to 1990 at a cost of $1.5 billion, the HST (named for astronomer E. P. Hubble) was expected to provide the clearest view yet obtained of the universe. and plans call for the whole system to be computer controlled and Internet operable operable /op·er·a·ble/ (op´er-ah-b'l) subject to being operated upon with a reasonable degree of safety; appropriate for surgical removal. op·er·a·ble adj. . In the future, observers from all over the world will be able to log on to the Biosphere 2 website and enjoy the incredible southern Arizona Southern Arizona is a region of the United States. It is the southernmost portion of the 48th state, Arizona. Southern Arizona's boundaries are not well defined, but certainly include all of present-day Cochise County, Pima County, Graham County, and Santa Cruz County. night skies. "This observatory is part of Columbia University's master plan to develop new education and research assets for our faculty and students," said Dr. William Harris William Harris may refer to:
The new observatory is key to the debut of the Universe Semester this fall. Carrying a full semester of Columbia University credit, the Universe Semester is an intensive, undergraduate program in astronomy and astrophysics Astronomy and astrophysics may refer to:
Astronomy and Astrophysics (abbreviated as A&A that focuses on night sky observations under clear desert conditions. According to Dr. Joe Patterson, director of the Universe Semester, the new telescope will provide students an excellent opportunity to study variable stars, super novae, and near-earth asteroids. "It will also," he said, "provide the public exciting opportunities for star gazing and research." A public grand opening for the observatory is planned for October. |
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