Kearney Nebraska Director - Mark Urwiller Assistant Directors: Jay Rasmussen,  Kay Wolfe, and Dan Glomski News Page! If You Have Suggestions For Items Here, Please E-Mail Us. The Old Scope Is Gone! The main instrument which has been housed in the observatory since 1996 was dismantled the 3rd week of March.  Construction of the new telescope has progressed to the point that the optics were needed to find balance points for the new mounting.  The new scope will use the same optics and will therefore have the same aperture.  However, the new instrument will incorporate computerized "Goto" (ServoCat) technology.  It will also have digital encoders utilizing Sky Commander and its database.  The observatory has received recent requests to offer a community college class and to work with an after school program run by a local middle school.  It is hoped that the new scope will be up and running by sometime this summer.  Viewing sessions will continue to be offered using other instruments at the observatory. The Telescope Makeover Is Underway! When the idea of an observatory class telescope was first conceived over 25 years ago, the original intent was to create an instrument capable of astrophotography.  Circumstances too numerous to list prevented that from fully happening.  The observatory scope was accommodating viewing of objects by visual means and photography by piggy-back means only.  This will be changing in 2011-2012. The design plans are done and procurement of new parts/materials and accessories is mostly done as well.  The scope will soon be disassembled and many parts will be re-machined.  The "new" scope will have digital encoders and goto functions.  The mount will be redesigned to finally allow digital astrophotography at prime focus.  Public observing for the public will continue; there are plenty of instruments at the observatory! New Staff Members Needed! Seven Hills Observatory was built in August 1996.  Since that time many of the original builders and staff have moved away.  It's time to look for some new staff members.  Before anyone gets too excited, these are not paid positions.  The "pay" is in helping  people see and enjoy the night sky.  What qualifications do you need?  Not much.  You only need to be interested in learning about the night sky and willing to come to public observing sessions to help out.  This includes helping to set up equipment, helping to park cars, helping people get up and down the hill to the building and back, and answering questions.  Are there age requirements?  Not really, but if you are not old enough to drive you will need to have someone bring you here and back. Is there a limit as to how many staff members we need?  No, the more the merrier.  If you are interested, e-mail the observatory at the link found at the bottom of any page on this site.  We look forward to hearing from you. The Platte Valley Astronomical Observers Members of the observatory staff are delighted to participate in a "society" of amateur astronomers in the area - The Platte Valley Astronomical Observers (PVAO)  This group is currently meeting the 4th Thursday of every month at the Nebraska Nature and Visitors Center at the I-80 Alda exit..   Meeting times are 7:30 PM.  Join us both here at the observatory and in this club!  Check it out at this link:  The Platte Valley Astronomical Observers Presentations Available For Public\Club Meetings We offer public presentations for community meetings etc. - free of charge (of course donations are always welcome). If you're looking for a program for your group, please contact us!   Telescope-Binocular-Accessories Information Available Seven Hills Observatory staff often receive inquiries about astronomical equipment.  Quite often people are looking for a birthday or Christmas present.  If you are looking to buy a telescope, in some cases these have to be ordered early.  We don't recommend department store telescopes. If you would be interested in purchasing astronomical equipment, give us a call. We would be happy to give you our opinion on what type of equipment would be right for you! You can reach me and set up an appointment by e-mail at: mark.urwiller@gmail.com or you can phone 308-293-5776 Enhanced for Keep Looking Around! Mark Urwiller - Web Page Administrator   Home  Introduction  Visitation Dates  Observatory Equipment  Links  Observatory News  Photos    Light Pollution  Earth and Natural Science Club