Space Studies
Bangor High Boasts Observatory
Imagine a shining 12' dome rising above Bangor High School; housed inside the dome, an 8' long reflecting telescope fitted with a camera capable of reaching into a clear black night and bringing the globular star cluster in Hercules into a BHS classroom. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Simon Wesley, high school science department chair, that idea has slowly become reality. Dr. Wesley donated a 12.5', f 8, Newtonian reflecting telescope (built by his father) to Bangor High School.
The hopes for the observatory were included in the larger remodeling scheme for the science wing undertaken in 2000. To obtain the best view of the sky, the observatory would have to be tall, very tall. The observatory floor would be level with the school's roof.
The observatory foundation was dug and poured in late September 2001 and the observatory was operational by March 2003. The first observational astronomy course will probably be offered through adult education in the spring of 2003. Once the telescope and dome operations become smoother, a traditional semester long course with classroom sessions during the regular school day and an observation/lab session at night will be offered to high school students in the spring semester of 2004.
It is all too easy to teach science, especially astronomy, as a body of knowledge rather than as a method or process. BHS's observatory are now a big step closer to more meaningful experiential learning. Students do not have to rely on books and magazines for images of our celestial neighbors; instead, they have first-hand views of the rings of Saturn and the Andromeda galaxy. Few high schools in the country have a similar facility and not even the University of Maine can boast of a telescope with as much potential. Few people ever get a chance to look through a modern and powerful telescope even once in their lives. Here, every student in the Bangor system will have opportunities that any astronomer would envy.
The observatory presents a unique opportunity for Bangor students to do more than look at the sky and wonder; with this telescope they can truly study astronomy. The observatory also affirms Bangor's commitment to pursuing excellence and diversity in public education.
Eric Ylagen, former Bangor High School teacher, composed this article
This photo, taken by the BHS telescope's camera, shows galaxy M51 known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. This galaxy is one of the brightest of the Messier Objects. The Whirlpool Galaxy is 35 million light years away and is located in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It actually consists of two interacting galaxies; the larger of the pair is a beautiful example of a classic spiral galaxy.
The Horsehead Nebula, seen at left, is located approximately 1600 light years away in the constellation of Orion. It consists of a cloud of dust and non-luminous gas silhouetted against the red glow of an emission nebula.
News:
Space Studies: The Stars in Bangor Schools, Communique, Summer 2004
