By Lisa Tedrick Prejean

Revived Observatory Appeals to All Ages

Will Dupuis was in the science office working on a tech issue when Nikki Walker P ’19, ’23 shared that she had taken students to Mercersburg’s Class of ’38 Observatory the night before only to find that a telescope wasn’t functioning properly.

Dupuis was quick to offer assistance. After all, his interest in astrophotography piqued his curiosity about the school’s telescopes since he first learned about the observatory. 

Systems administrator in the school’s technology department, Dupuis offered to take a look at the equipment. Walker, science department head, gladly handed him the observatory key.

Fast forward two years, and now, after some research and tinkering, Dupuis has the telescopes functioning for programs that are held monthly for students, faculty, staff, and their families. 

“I am grateful for Will’s interest, time, energy, and enthusiasm,” Walker said. “The program would never be what it is today without him.”

First used in January 2003, the observatory initially had two 12-inch Meade LX200 telescopes, which were upgraded in recent years to two Meade LX600 ACF
16-inch Cassegrain Reflectors.

With the press of a button, the observatory’s hipped roof rolls along a geared cable system off the building onto an adjacent frame supported by wooden piers. 

The concept behind the observatory building’s structure was the brainchild of Dave Holzwarth ’78, P ’11, ’13, a longtime Mercersburg science faculty member who has a background in construction. Holzwarth also did much of the preliminary research on the equipment. 

“The observatory takes a great deal of enthusiasm, maintenance, time, and care,” Holzwarth said. “Will is the perfect fit to fill the role at the observatory. He is a brilliant technician, skilled in all things electrical and mechanical, and a master in astrophotography. Will uses data from other telescopes operating around the world to produce images as well.”

The concept of the observatory dates back to 1998, when members of the Class of 1938 decided to mark their 60th reunion with an astronomical gift. Led by prolific inventor and amateur astronomer Jim Hobbs ’38, class members donated funds for the building and equipment. The observatory is solar powered by an off-grid Outback system. 

According to a plaque on the observatory, Hobbs felt that astronomy–perhaps the oldest of the sciences–was the ideal vehicle for illustrating the interconnectedness of all the sciences and the strong relationship the sciences have with all other disciplines.

“Our students, faculty and staff, and their families have such interest in the night sky,” Walker said. “Students request sessions, and each one is packed with curiosity and the desire to get the ‘perfect’ Instagram shot. Adult members of the community, along with their families, also make the trek to the observatory to see the equipment in action and to see the Orion Nebula or any other magnificent collections in the stars that evening.”