Eric W. Klumpe

eklumpe@mtsu.edu

Eric W. Klumpe

Physics and Astronomy

Master Classroom

New Observatory Building

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Currently, MTSU is in the process of upgrading the astronomy facilities utilized in the teaching of astronomy courses (~ 800 students per year) and campus outreach events (~ 150 students, faculty and staff). To date, funds have been obtained that have been used to complete a state-of-the-art naked-eye observatory and to construct a “telescope” observatory building. What has yet to be funded is the equipment that will be housed inside the observatory building. The MTSU observatory concept is unique by national standards. The design incorporates an extremely sensitive camera into the eyepiece of a state-of-the-art telescope and images are transmitted to a wide-screen television that is mounted in the exterior wall of the building. With this concept, dozens of students can simultaneously “peer” through the telescope while sitting in a comfortable position outside the building. Moreover, they will be enjoying images that are more refined than are possible with the human eye alone. Unlike traditional facilities where students stand in long queues waiting for a brief opportunity to observe a single object, the entire class will be able to simultaneously observe a multitude of astronomical objects. Furthermore, the “classroom-like” concept lends itself well to instructor-guided analyses and discussions.