The 117-year-old refracting telescope of University of Illinois Observatory was removed last week for renovation. The telescope tube, mount, pier, as well as gears and motors, will be repaired at Ray Museum Studios in Swarthmore, Penn. for a total cost of around $54,000, said Bryan Dunne, assistant chair and assistant professor of astronomy. 

Dunne said the restoration will include cleaning, fixing motors and gears, refinishing and lubricating, in order for the telescope to rotate smoothly. This will be the first time since the last restoration in 1954.

The Friends of the University of Illinois Observatory, an alumni group, is working with the department of astronomy to preserve and restore the observatory. The FUIO successfully raised approximately $50,000, and the Chancellor’s Fund, an unrestricted gift fund donated by alumni, will cover the remaining costs of the project so that it may proceed this year. According to Dunne, the alumni support will help the project go into effect one year ahead of schedule. 

“The restoration will take over a couple months and will return in late August,” said Dunne. “It will hopefully be ready for an open house in September and the homecoming open house in October.” 

The observatory is usually open for educational and outreach purposes for both students and members of the community. Although the observatory is no longer in use for research, it is now a place for instrument developing and data analyzing, as well as classrooms and offices. It is used for introductory level astronomy classes and the Astronomy Club. 

Observatory offices that are not related to astronomy will remain in use while restoration takes place.

Earn can be reached at [email protected].