Capital Campaign Press:

Issued by:
The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA., Inc. (ASH)
Edward Naylor Astronomical Center
670 Observatory Drive
Lewisberry, PA 17339
(717) 938-6041
president@astrohbg.org
www.astrohbg.org

Subject:
Local Astronomy Club plans out of this world expansion to Observatory

CONTACT:
Ted A. Nichols II
President, Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA., Inc.

RELEASE: 2003-01

Observatory plans first expansion since 1970's

The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA., Inc (ASH), the Central PA areas FIRST astronomy club which formed in 1955 has an ambitious plan to expand its Edward Naylor Astronomical Center located in Lewisberry, PA.

The observatory which opened in 1967, relying on donations from local companies, and the public to construct it, last expanded in the late 1970's. The society is looking towards the future looking to outfit its observatory with high tech equipment to observe the heavens. The planned expansion includes the construction of a new roll-off roof observatory outfitted with a computerized telescope and a highly sophisticated CCD (charge coupled device) camera. The camera which is a very sensitive device (similar in technology to a digital camera) is used throughout the world in many professional observatories. The society hopes to better its services to the public with this camera, and participate in scientific research for the Astronomical community. The camera will allow members to search for and track comets, asteroids, and other objects in the solar system, search for and study supernovas, and other stellar objects. No local amateur facility (which is open to membership) in the immediate region possesses this technology.

To make this possible the Society has begun a capital campaign, soliciting funds from the public, its members, and local businesses hoping to raise the $8000.00 necessary to add a new building to its impressive observatory. All donations are completely tax deductible. The society would appreciate the help of the local media to inform the public of this plan, and get word out that we are looking to expand and financial help from the area to do so.

The current observatory features 2 observatory buildings with permanently mounted research grade telescopes suitable for visual observations and studies. The Astronomical Center has 3 other buildings, including an Administration Center which features a vast astronomical library and a solar heliostat telescope which projects the image of the sun onto a screen.

The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, is a membership organization with close to 150 members, and has served the public through its entire existence. The club hosts "star parties" for local community groups to come out and view the universe through its equipment and gives lectures, and tours to the community. The observatory is also open to the public to come out and observe every single Sunday in June, July, and August; and once a month in the non-summer months. Dates for these sessions are available on their website, www.astrohbg.org. The society has monthly meetings which feature speakers from the astronomical community, monthly overviews of the sky and much more. The club also gives lectures to the area, and sets up in various places throughout the year to bring the wonders of astronomy to the people of this area.

More info on the ASH's Capital Campaign is available at:
http://www.astrohbg.org/capital_campaign.php

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