McNair HBCU Observatory

As a tribute to astronaut Ronald McNair, who died tragically in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, BEGST plans to build an astronomical observatory complex for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to conduct research in astronomy and astrophysics.

The observatory will be located in Arizona and house two state-of-the-art robotic telescopes that can be accessed and remotely controlled from any participating HBCU science and technology departments. A third telescope will be available for student interns to conduct project-based studies on site. The technology used at the observatory will allow HBCU to participate in a variety of NASA sponsored programs focused on searching for new planets to better understand the evolution of stars and galaxies.

In addition to the telescope areas, the facility will offer a seminar room and two dormitories that can accommodate eight student-interns who will study astrophotography and spectroscopy.

BEGST proposes to assist in developing courses in astronomy and astrophysics for those HBCU science departments that wish to incorporate them in their curriculums.