The Thomsen Observatory is home to quality telescopes, available to the public for viewing the night sky, and there is a new addition to the family of optics. It’s thanks to the dedication of local professors, physicists, and telescope enthusiasts, that this is possible. As the Observatory continues to improve, Southwestern will proudly share the stars with this community.

Originally founded in 1984, the Thomsen Observatory started with a Dobsonian Telescope, gifted by founder Dennis Dickerson. He single-handedly built the dome, the only local spot to observe space at that time. Then, Dr. Roy Campbell, physics professor, programmed a computer to follow the earth’s rotation and to find stars, planets, and other celestial objects. So, Southwestern students could then study astronomy.

Despite enthusiastic beginnings, the observatory did experience several years of disuse. For 12 years, it went untouched. Then, Jerry Becker, a retired teacher, volunteered to help bring the observatory back into operation. He is now the Observatory Manager. As a result, the Thomsen Observatory is once again a source of pride for the University, and a valued addition to the Dallas-Fort-Worth area.

So much so, that the Fort Worth Astronomical Society (FWAS) asked Southwestern to foster their newest telescope.

Recently, FWAS received a Ritchie Crichton (RC) telescope. FWAS is currently raising funds to build an observatory in Rising Star, two hours west of Keene, Texas. The RC will reside at Thomsen Observatory until FWAS completes this facility, which may be a year or more from now.

The telescope needs a few more adjustments to fully grasp the stars to be in total focus. Yet, it will still allow guests to experience a high-quality telescope. A hi-res computer screen and astrophotography imaging opens the way for astronomers and like-minded students to enjoy the observatory.

The Thomsen Observatory is open every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Find out more about these valued telescopes by visiting the Observatory, or read more at https://swau.edu/thomsen-observatory/.