Remote observing room brings the universe to MSU

Contact: Jack Baldwin, Physics and Astronomy, (517) 355-9200, Ext. 2411, or baldwi80@msu.edu ; Timothy Beers, Physics and Astronomy, (517) 355-9200, Ext. 2416, or beers@msu.edu ; or Tom Oswald, University Relations, (517) 355-2281, oswald@msu.edu

4/15/2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State University astronomers who will use the SOuthern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope won't even have to leave East Lansing to reap the benefits of the instrument, which is located on the western edge of the Andes Mountains of Chile .

A remote observing room, located in MSU's newly built Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building , will collect data and images from the telescope, making them available to MSU astronomers and their students.

"We can do most of our work right here in East Lansing ," said Jack Baldwin, a professor of physics and astronomy who will use SOAR to study how galaxies form. "We'll probably go to Chile a couple times a year, but most of our work can be done right here on campus."

This is made possible, Baldwin said, by an Internet 2, fiber optic cable running between Chile and East Lansing . This cable will allow for real-time videoconferencing, as well as the transmission of data.

"As the data come in," he said, "we'll get a compressed version of the image. We can then pick out regions of interest on the computer screen and fill in the areas we want to see later."

The observing room is located in the atrium of the MSU Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building . With large, inviting picture windows, the room will be visually accessible to the many students who pass by every day.

The room has two high-resolution projectors displaying a view of the SOAR control monitors that is 12 feet by 5 feet. This display will include images captured by the SOAR instruments and views of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.

"We feel very strongly about improving science education at all levels," said Timothy Beers, a professor of physics and astronomy who will use SOAR to study the origins of our Milky Way Galaxy. "This will give not only MSU students, but K-12 students an opportunity to have a 'hands-on' science experience.

"Early in the project, students visiting the East Lansing campus will be able to look over the shoulders of MSU astronomers as they conduct their observations with SOAR. In time, we may be able to share the images directly with K-12 students in their classrooms."

The SOAR Telescope is a joint project between MSU, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the National Optical Astronomy Observatories, and the country of Brazil . The nation of Chile is a de facto partner.

For additional information on SOAR's educational opportunities: www.pa.msu.edu/soarmsu/educational.htm