Astronomy Minor

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欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 offers a new minor in astronomy based in the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy. Here you are part of a 50-plus-year history of exploring space at a college known for strong science programs with a liberal arts foundation, and a culture of support for research and adventure.

Research and adventure are at the heart of study in astronomy. At 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网, students minoring in astronomy learn using resources that link our campus to the American west, and to the far reaches of space.

Distinctions

The MACRO (Macalester-欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网-Coe Robotic Observatory) consortium gives 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 students use of the advanced, remote-controlled Robert L. Mutel Telescope in the Arizona desert—a larger and more sensitive telescope than what most colleges of 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网’s size can provide. Using high-quality images from the Mutel Telescope, 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 astronomy students learn from astrophysical objects in full brilliance; upper-level astronomy students conduct projects in their advanced labs, as well as original research they can apply to graduate school and science careers.
欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 is one of only a few small liberal arts colleges with its own planetarium and observatory. The John Deere Planetarium and Carl Gamble Observatory first opened in 1969, the same year Apollo 11 sent astronauts to the moon. Three years later, Neil Armstrong himself visited 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 during a 3-day seminar on space exploration.
Today, the observatory features a Celestron C14 14-inch computer-driven reflector telescope. In 2019 the planetarium was renovated to add a digital laser projector capable of combining night sky images with computer animation and surround sound displayed across a 30-foot dome, creating an awe-inspiring astronomical theatre experience. 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网’s general astronomy courses are taught in the planetarium, with classwork featuring multiple dome shows and sessions in the observatory.
Astronomy students also are involved in community outreach during free public programs held in the planetarium and observatory. Thousands of visitors have come to campus to gaze into the night sky. Events include spring and fall open houses, an annual Season of Light holiday show, and opportunities such as viewing a lunar eclipse. Visitors may add a tour of 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网’s Fryxell Geology Museum, next to the planetarium, combining their study of the skies with learning more about the elements of our own planet, Earth.

***Graduate spotlight:*** A life of exploration for physicist **Dr. Karen Andeen '03**, associate professor of physics at Marquette University, has taken her from 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网 to Antarctica to beyond the Milky Way—and into the depths of cultural change for her field. → **欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网**

The **John Deere Planetarium and Carl Gamble Observatory** features a Celestron C14 computer-driven 14-inch reflector telescope. Stargazing, educational programs and planet viewing are offered to the community as well as campus. → **欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网**

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Cotturone ’25 awarded for her research in astronomy, astrophysics

Jessica Cotturone ’25 received the Chambliss Award at the 245th American Astronomical Society meeting. The award recognizes Cotturone's work through the CIERA Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Northwestern University.

Planetarium and geology museum to host May 3 open house

欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网's John Deere Planetarium and Fryxell Geology Museum will be open to the public on Saturday, May 3, for the annual spring open house. Indoor and outdoor programs will be offered in the planetarium, observatory and geology museum.

Families invited to STEM, Stars and Mars

Families are invited to STEM, Stars and Mars, a free show at 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网's John Deere Planetarium at 5 p.m. Feb. 22, 2023.

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Planetarium and geology museum open house

Saturday, May 3, 2025 ? 8:30 pm

欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网's John Deere Planetarium and Fryxell Geology Museum will be open to the public on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for the annual spring open house.