MADISON, Wis. — As buzz around the upcoming eclipse builds, scientists hope it will foster even more curiosity about the mysteries of outer space.

What You Need To Know

  • UW-Madison has what is believed to be one of the oldest operating telescopes in Wisconsin

  • In the 1960s, the world's first general purpose astronomical observatory in space was designed and built largely in a lab at UW-Madison

  • The study of outer space on campus dates back to 1879, with the creation of the Washburn Observatory

  • Students and staff organize workshops and special events at Washburn and other labs on campus

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has what is believed to be one of the oldest operating telescopes in Wisconsin right on campus. Astronomy professor Jim Lattis said the department has helped pave the way for the field of astronomy over the years.

“There were many important developments here, especially in the 1920s and 30s,” Lattis said. “When the new technologies that really became a big part of what in modern times we call astrophysics now, as distinguished sometimes from traditional astronomy, a lot of that was developed right here at Madison.”

In the 1960s, the world’s first general purpose astronomical observatory in space was designed and built largely in a lab at UW-Madison. The study of outer space on campus dates back to 1879, with the creation of the Washburn Observatory.

While it’s no longer used for research, the astronomy department has found another way to showcase the historic building. Students and staff organize workshops and special events there.

“We want people to understand that too,” Lattis said. “What are we doing here and why and where is it leading?”

Jenna Karcheski and Jakob Mills help lead some of the events. They are studying astrophysics and lead UW-Madison’s Astronomy Club.

“We’ve really connected with the community this year,” Karcheski said. “We have frequent stargazing nights, and act as a little like community for the over 100 astronomy majors this year.”

Karcheski and Mills said they got into astronomy because they love how connected it makes them feel to the universe. Their goal is to make the study of space more fun and accessible for everyone.

“We get to see the excitement that we once had for the stars and space,” Mills said. “Just with little kids and then with people our age and even older. So, it’s just really cool to see that same sort of flicker of curiosity and excitement.”

Lattis said cultivating that community interest and contributing to cutting-edge global research on space is always the mission.

“People have a natural curiosity about the world around them,” he said. “What are they looking at when they look up into the sky? They want to hear about that, and they want to experience that. So, we want to provide opportunities for that.”

Related Stories