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Observatory standing strong after nearly a century

MORGAN COUNTY, Ind (WISH) – With all the buzz around the supermoon and the eclipse, it’s time to look at one of the best ways to see spectacular sights in the sky. An almost 100-year old local observatory wants to cater to those who want to learn more.

On Jan. 22, Venus and Jupiter will pass within two degrees of each other, that’s very close. It might not sound like a big deal but there are hundreds of events like this happening all the time in the night sky. The leaders at the Link observatory want to use them to get as many people as they can enjoy astronomy. 

The observatory, near Moorseville, is named in honor of amateur astronomer Dr. Goethe Link, an Indianapolis surgeon, who built it with his own money. Construction of the observatory started in 1937, and the telescope was first operated in 1939. 

In 1948, he donated the observatory to Indiana University. For years, about 90 percent of all asteroid research across the country was done at this observatory. Now, it’s home to the Link observatory space science institute and where amateur astronomers can get their fix.

Former NASA Engineer Greg McCauley is now the executive director, he says it’s important to use events like the blood wolf moon and the solar eclipse to keep unique places like the link observatory in Hoosier minds. 

“When we first started and decided to do public engagement programs and lectures on astronomy and space exploration,” said McCauley. “I wondered if anyone else would be interested in this kind of stuff and we’ve been overwhelmed with people from everywhere from everywhere people will drive hours to get to one of my open events at the observatory.”   

McCauley says their mission is to advance scholastic literacy of future generations. There are plenty of chances for you to get involved with public events going on all the time