The goal of this project is for the Physics Department to be an active center for observational astronomy. This is being accomplished through the purchase of instrumentation specifically designed to be both portable and effective in providing a first-hand experience with modern techniques in observational astronomy. This instrumentation consists of three basic components: (1) a portable 12-inch computer-controlled Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, (2) a thermally cooled CCD camera to attach to the telescope, and (3) a portable laptop computer to control the telescope and to display, in real time, digital images. The project's primary group is non-science-majors taking Introductory Astronomy and physics majors enrolled in the Advanced Laboratory course, but the equipment is also available to all non-science-majors. In addition, the college is attempting to meet the demonstrated need of the Sioux Falls community, and the surrounding area, for access to telescope viewing.
