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Behlen Observatory
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Behlen Observatory is a research facility and astronomical observatory in Mead, Nebraska. It is owned and operated by the astronomy department of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Key Information
History
[edit]In 1971, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln acquired an approximately 17,000-acre site near Mead, Nebraska formerly used by the Nebraska Ordnance Plant to manufacture munitions during World War II.[1] Most of the site was converted for agricultural research, but one building was repurposed as an astronomical observatory.[1] Its location nearly forty miles northeast of Lincoln was considered favorable for its lack of light pollution while still providing quick access to campus and nearby Omaha.[2]
When it opened in 1972, the observatory featured a 30-inch Cassegrain reflector manufactured by Boller and Chivens, acquired at a discounted price as the University of Washington purchased an identical telescope at the same time.[3] The three-story facility included a bomb shelter on the first floor, a holdover from the building's original design, with its computer systems and a newly built dome room above.[1]
The observatory was dedicated in 1993 after a donation from local businessman and longtime patron Walter Behlen.[2] It is now used infrequently as the university has deemphasized its astronomy program, though its original telescope is still occasionally used for variable star research.[4] The Behlen Observatory opens to the public several nights per year and features lectures from NU scientists.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Lisa Brichacek. "Star Gazing: Open House Planned At Behlen Observatory". Wahoo Newspaper. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ a b "Real Estate Showcase: Behlen Observatory". University of Nebraska system. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ "Observatories of the UNL Department of Physics & Astronomy". Behlen Observatory. Archived from the original on December 11, 2005. Retrieved December 15, 2005.
- ^ David Dickinson (December 6, 2018). "On the Astronomy Trail in Nebraska". Universe Today. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ John Grinvalds (February 22, 2018). "Behlen Observatory's 'Hunting Orion' to offer tangible view of night sky". The Daily Nebraskan. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
