Astronomy Observatory

An Astronomy Observatory sits atop Research Building 1

The astronomical observatory includes a  large optical telescope (80cm diameter).

While the main purpose of the observatory is to meet the educational needs of GMU's students, it will also be a special place shared with our Washington D.C. community. Evenings "under the stars" each month will be offered to the region's residents. During these special nights, attendees will enjoy stimulating presentations on the mysteries of outer space, given by our world class astronomer researchers and instructors. Science teachers for grades K-12 will be invited to bring their students for an astronomy class in the star-studded sky at George Mason University. Views from our observatory will also be shared by millions of people around the world via the internet.

In order to expand these educational opportunities, we are seeking donations. For a gift of $1000 or more you may have your name listed on a plaque inside of the observatory itself. GMU faculty and staff were among the first to generously respond with donations toward buying a large telescope (80-cm diameter mirror) and ancillary equipment (including CCD-camera, computers, computer interface, etc.). The Department of Physics and Astronomy is enthusiastically seeking additional funding for the observatory.

You may make contributions on-line to the GMU Foundation! Go to the "Make a Pledge" link and on the form under "Other Established Fund" type in Astronomy Observatory. You may want to state in the "Comments" section that you want the funds to go to the Astronomy Observatory specifically again.

George Mason University is also seeking people and companies who would like to know more about the related and highly visible naming opportunities:

• Tower in Research I - $1 million
• Observatory - $500K
• Telescope - $300K

For more information, please contact:
Tere Linehan, CFRE
Director of Development
College of Arts and Sciences
703-993-8719 tlinehan@gmu.edu