Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory
September 2004 :
When I started this series of columns on Space Places in Rhode Island,
I failed to mention a cozy little observatory on the Knight Campus of the
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Though the instruments are used
primarily to support the astronomy curriculum at the college, special
public viewing nights are scheduled once classes resume in the fall. For
those provincial folks among you who don't like to travel great distances,
here's a little information about this local facility.
As space places in Rhode Island go, the CCRI observatory is a fairly
new facility dedicated to the teaching of science in our state. Under the
direction of Margaret M. Jacoby, a faculty member, the observatory was
constructed in 1978. From then until her retirement, Margaret Jacoby shared
her love of astronomy not only with her students, but also with the
countless families who visited her observatory for a glimpse of our
beautiful universe.
Her dedication to science and teaching was acknowledged on November 15,
1995 when the observatory was re-christened the "Margaret M. Jacoby
Observatory." It was obvious to most why she was so cherished. She wanted
to make a difference in the lives of her students. I found a quote during
my research that summed up her commitment to teaching. "I think it is
important not just to make scientists out of (students), but to open them
up to the universe, so that when they read things in the paper or on TV,
they can be a little more critical because they have some background."
This little observatory looks like your typical observatory with a
cylindrical sheet metal building topped by a 25-foot diameter dome with a
mechanical shutter that opens the observatory to the sky. Inside is a 14-
inch Celestron telescope, upon which is mounted another 8-inch Celestron
telescope of similar design. Though these telescopes are small by today's
standards, they do provide splendid images. Several problems do plague the
observatory, however.
If you are familiar with the Knight Campus, you realize it sits high
atop a hill across from the old Midland Mall, now the Rhode Island Mall.
If the observatory were situated somewhere near the top of that hill, a
commanding view of the sky from horizon to horizon would great the visitor.
However, the observatory is located down the hill nestled amongst the
trees, thereby limiting the view of the sky and the astronomical objects
in it.
The second, perhaps more severe problem is the light pollution. The two
malls, the Route 2 stretch of retail stores, the airport, and all the
surrounding neighborhoods pour a lot of light up into the sky. The
brightness of the sky not only limits the number of celestial objects that
can be observed, but also reduces the quality of the view. The fact that
the observatory is somewhat shielded by trees may actually help a little.
A spokesman also commented that they have to be on constant alert for
passing aircraft, as the landing lights can temporarily blind a person if
they are looking through one of the instruments when a plane goes by!!
Regardless, despite the poor observing conditions, I know firsthand
what these instruments are capable of. Light pollution does not severely
hamper observing objects like the Moon and the bright planets out to
Saturn. A great wealth of detail awaits even an inexperienced observer.
As of this writing the observatory is scheduled to begin some public
observing nights in October. Special arrangements can be made for private
observing sessions for scouts and other civic groups. You can review the
public night schedule for yourself by visiting the observatory at
http://physics.ccri.edu/observ.htm Directions to CCRI and other
information can also be found at this web site. To find the observatory on
the campus: proceed up the hill to the campus; take your first right (sign
says PRIVATE, but proceed down this narrow road); observatory is ahead.
I hope you will visit the Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory sometime this
fall. Enjoy some of the wonders of the universe though the telescopes
provided. Just watch out for Flight 101!!!
In my next installment of "Space Places in Rhode Island," I'm finally
going to make you do some driving to one of the last few dark sky
observatories in our state. We'll "scope out" Frosty Drew Observatory down
at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Yes, way down in South County! Hey, if you
can get to the beaches, you can get to the observatory (although you'll
probably have to do it in the dark)!!
Until next time, keep your eyes to the skies. And remember, Seagrave
Observatory is open every Saturday night for your viewing pleasure, weather
permitting of course. Visit us at http://www.theskyscrapers.org for
information.
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