Eastern Iowa Observatory and
Learning Center
First Light! The 24-inch Boller & Chivens was used to view Saturn following Doug Slauson's presentation on the Ringed Planet at the April Public Observing Night. See our Facilities Update page for more information on the construction and (soon!) a gallery of photos from the Grand Opening/Open House events.
Introduction
Greater Cedar Rapids and Linn County have a unique opportunity with the creation of what is sure to be the premier public astronomy site in Iowa!
We Still Need Your Help!
Although the initial funding goal has been met, additional funding opportunities still exist. Donations payable to the Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc., may be mailed to:
Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc.
P.O. Box 10786
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410
Please specify the EIOLC Project
on your donation.
Thank you for your support!
The centerpiece of this new facility is a rare and valuable research-quality telescope made by the Boller & Chivens division of Perkin-Elmer Corp. The cassegrain telescope has a 24-inch mirror and was originally operated at The University of Iowa’s Hills Observatory for over 30 years and donated to the Cedar Amateur Astronomers.
The CAA was honored that Professor James A. Van Allen, the Regents Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Iowa had graciously agreed to serve as the Honorary Chair of the EIOLC Committee.
Background
The Boller & Chivens telescope before removal from The University of Iowa's Hills Observatory.
In 2003, The University of Iowa—through the efforts of Professor Steven Spangler and others in the Department of Physics and Astronomy—donated the telescope to the CAA. In consultation with UI personnel, society members organized, planned, documented, disassembled and successfully moved this superb 1.5 ton, 9-foot long instrument to a secure location. The mount has been successfully installed in its new location and the tube assembly will be placed in the mount when the 24-inch mirror has been resilvered. When installed in the new facility, this telescope will have an estimated value of over $250,000.
The Palisades-Dows site had only electricity and two small buildings housing telescopes and associated equipment. There were no indoor classroom facilities, running water or indoor restrooms, and little protection from the weather for groups of people. In order to support the growing public interest in astronomy, our outreach programs require a larger, family-friendly observatory, classroom and presentation facilities.
Planned Facilities
Exterior view of the EIOLC as it appeared in August 2007.
A new 4600 sq. ft. facility was proposed to support the growing community interest in astronomy. It consists of two observatory domes, a classroom, multi-purpose presentation room, computer control room, library, storage, and restrooms. The domes will house the superb Boller & Chivens telescope, and a “Robotic” Meade telescope with a 16-inch mirror set up for remote control observing. It is expected that the telescopes will be installed over the next few months and be ready for their public debut in early 2008.
This new facility is located at the Palisades-Dows Preserve in Linn County on land currently used by the CAA in cooperation with the Linn County Conservation Department.
Architectural rendering of interior of propsed EIOLC. Domes housing the telescopes are at top of drawing.
The architectural plans for this new facility resulted in a total construction budget of $701,827. As a non-profit organization that does not charge for their programs and services, CAA looks to community groups and local businesses for funding. This facility, and the world-class astronomical instruments it will house, will have a significant positive impact on the community and education in Eastern Iowa for many years to come.
For the latest photos of the nearly complete EIOLC, visit our Facilities Update page.
Our Vision
Family observing time
We promote the study of astronomy and related sciences through free educational programs, presentations, guided observing sessions and special programs. These are available to community organizations, scouting troops, church groups, schools, colleges and universities. The Boller & Chivens telescope will be made available for college and university programs as well as public observing sessions. A chance to look through the eyepiece of such a large instrument is a rare opportunity for members of the general public and should not be missed. The robotic telescope will also be available to area schools for use in their science programs.
Peculiar galaxy M82 in Ursa Major photographed by Matt Neely with the Boller & Chivens telescope.
Why is this important to us? We wish to foster interest in and support of the sciences through hands-on participation in astronomy. There is nothing like seeing the excitement on a young person’s face when they see the rings of Saturn or a distant galaxy for the first time with their own eyes.
Public Observing Night meetings were held monthly from March through October at the Palisades-Dows observatory but will now be held monthly all year-round with the completion of an indoor meeting facility. These events are for people interested in learning more about astronomy and telescopes, and for people who just wonder what it’s like to look through a high-quality telescope.
COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers has the technical and project management talents to successfully complete this premier Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center.
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc. was founded on September 29, 1979, and incorporated in 1980. The CAA is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since its founding, the society's membership has grown from a dozen members to over 100. Our members come from all walks of life and with all levels of interest.
Supporting Documents
Cost Estimate (184kB pdf)
Project Information Sheet (200kB pdf)
Full-Color Brochure describing
EIOLC project (3MB pdf)
The CAA's Vison
Iowa grant award
Final version of the CAA agreement with the Linn County Conservation Board (48kB Word doc).
