McNair HBCU Observatory

In tribute to astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair—a physicist, trailblazer, and national hero who lost his life in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy—BEGST is proud to announce the creation of a groundbreaking Astronomical Observatory Complex dedicated to advancing space science research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Located under Arizona’s clear desert skies, this state-of-the-art facility will provide unprecedented access to the cosmos for HBCU students and faculty. The complex will feature:

· Two robotic telescopes, remotely operable by participating HBCU science and technology departments from across the nation

· A third, on-site telescope, reserved for hands-on research by student interns

· A seminar room for lectures, collaborative projects, and NASA-partnered programming

· Two dormitories, housing up to eight interns focused on specialized training in astrophotography and spectroscopy

This observatory will empower HBCUs to engage in cutting-edge astronomical research—including NASA-sponsored initiatives to search for exoplanets and study the life cycles of stars and galaxies.

To ensure sustainable impact, BEGST will also support the development of astronomy and astrophysics courses for HBCU departments interested in expanding their science curricula.

This project is more than an observatory. It is a launchpad—for knowledge, for opportunity, and for honoring the legacy of Dr. McNair by inspiring the next generation of Black scientists to reach for the stars.