Joseph J. Casby Memorial Observatory Under Construction
We are thrilled to announce construction of the new Joseph J. Casby Memorial Observatory adjacent to Belwin Center is underway. We plan to finish construction this winter. When completed, the observatory will permanently house a nine foot long, ten inch refracting telescope – one of the largest in Minnesota. This instrument will provide countless visitors the opportunity to observe the cosmos and expand on the enjoyment and understanding of the natural world at the Belwin Conservancy in a way never before possible.
In 1609, Galileo built his first telescope and turned it towards the heavens. The techniques he pioneered and discoveries that followed were revolutionary. Galileo’s research led to a much greater understanding of the planets and their moons, the milky way and and sun spots. His most famous contribution to science, was his opposition to the geocentric belief that the earth was the center of the universe.
Stephan Hawking once said that, “Galileo, perhaps more than any other single person, was responsible for the birth of modern science.” Now, on this four-hundredth anniversary of his first steps, Galileo’s achievements are being recognized through this year’s designation as the ‘International Year of Astronomy.’
Throughout 2009, this anniversary has been marked in a variety of ways including at the White House this October. While hosting a ‘Star Party’ on the South Lawn, President Obama celebrated the achievements of amateur astronomy telling a group of assembled students that anyone can engage in discovery. “All you need is a passion for science…it’ll take your sense of wonder, your passion, your persistence, your willingness to dedicate your lives to the pursuit of discovery.”
Minnesota Astronomical Society
The Joseph J. Casby Memorial Observatory is a result of a partnership between the Belwin Conservancy and the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS). The MAS was founded by a group of amateur astronomers in the early 1970s who were looking to share resources and build a community around their passion.
Early on, the MAS was associated with the Science Museum of Minnesota. At the same time, the Science Museum was working with Father George Metcalf to turn 100 acres of his property in Afton into a study area (Belwin Messenger, Fall, 2008). Their shared association brought the MAS and Father Metcalf together, and the Metcalf Observation Site was born.
For nearly as long as the Belwin Conservancy has been working nearby, the members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society have been using the Metcalf Observation Site to observe the stars. This simple facility constructed on his property by Father Metcalf and the MAS membership has been an important spot for amateur astronomy for 36 years.
The land on which this site sits is now owned by the Belwin Conservancy. “We proudly continue Father Metcalf’s partnership with the Minnesota Astronomical Society,” said Steve Hobbs, Executive Director of the Belwin Conservancy. “Their work at the Metcalf site stands as a living memorial to him and it’s a wonderful compliment to the work we’re already doing.”
Telescope
In 2008, an anonymous Twin Cities resident gave the Minnesota Astronomical Society a 10 inch TMB Apochromatic Refracting Telescope. Along with a 5 inch Takahashi guide scope and professional observatory mounts, this gift was extraordinarily generous. “This really is one of the finest optical systems that can be bought off the shelf in the world,” says Andy Fraser of the Minnesota Astronomical Society, “there are no more than six like this in the country.”
Ironically, the MAS now had an incredible observatory-grade telescope, but no observatory to put it in.
Luckily, both organizations found that they shared a common vision. Steve Hobbs relays, “without even knowing about the telescope, during a meeting about the Metcalf Observing Site, I offered that if the MAS ever wanted something more permanent at the Belwin Conservancy, that we’d love to talk about it. Andy looked at me: ‘well...’.”
Shortly thereafter, the MAS held a ‘Star Party’ at the Belwin Conservancy to help identify the best location for a permanent facility. MAS members tested their own telescopes in different locations on the property. They very quickly identified the location near Belwin Center because of its unique dark and unobstructed view of the southern sky.
With the telescope and site already secured, the Minnesota Astronomical Society spent the next several months fundraising for the observatory. The mother of a MAS member, Sylvia Casby, donated to funds necessary to build the observatory in honor of her late husband, Joseph. The building plans specify a modest structure topped with a 16 foot observatory dome.
The observatory itself will be small and only accommodate six to eight people at a time. Like all observatories, the Casby Observatory will not be heated. Therefore, the Belwin Conservancy is looking to raise the $2,500 necessary to install controls and video monitors in Belwin Center allowing for larger groups to share in the wonder of the cosmos in comfort.
Besides the Belwin Conservancy, Minnesota Astronomical Society’s and our members, there are a number of local schools who are very excited about the observatory and what it means for their students. “There really is nothing like this around here,” said Steve Hobbs, “we can't wait to offer this incredible resource to our members and the community. Let the Star Parties begin!”