The consortium is purchasing a panoramic solid state optical detector (a Photometrics CCD and auxiliary hardware and software) to install on the 24 inch telescope at the Williston Observatory of Mount Holyoke College. The telescope will be used by students from the Five College Astronomy Department and this upgrade is the next phase of a department-wide effort to provide undergraduate students with hands-on training with modern instrumentation. It will provide training for students in the operation, calibration, and use of CCDs for astronomical imaging and spectroscopy. The Five College Astronomy Department will interface the camera to the telescope and spectrograph, provide a technician for operation and maintenance, develop laboratories for freshman through senior level classes, and involve students in a variety of independent research projects.
