Brandon University's observatory has a new name.
The rooftop facility, long a beacon for stargazers in western Manitoba, will now be known as the Gulliver Astronomical Observatory, following a generous $50,000 donation from the family of BU astronomy professor Dr. Austin Gulliver. The gift will go towards a much-needed upgrade: a modern, computer-controlled dome to match the observatory's state-of-the-art telescope.
"Our telescope was designed to show the wonders of the night sky to students and the public," Gulliver said. "And that's exactly what it's done. We see more than a thousand visitors every year: students, alumni, seniors, and MiniU campers. Most of them are blown away. They've never seen anything like it."
At 16 inches in diameter, BU's is the largest publicly accessible telescope in Manitoba and the biggest between Thunder Bay and Calgary. Installed in 2009 thanks to the Dr. Viola Lobodowsky endowment, it replaced an earlier telescope that had been craned onto the roof just after the McMaster building was constructed in 1971.
"For decades, the observatory has been a powerful reminder that science isn't just something that happens in labs and textbooks science is something people can experience, firsthand, with wonder and curiosity," said Dr. Chris LeMoine, Dean of Science at BU. "Public access to a facility like this is incredibly valuable. It sparks imagination in young visitors and deepens understanding for students of all ages. As we look ahead to future improvements, like a full renovation of the Brodie Science Building, projects like this demonstrate the importance of creating spaces where learning and inspiration meet."
Today, visitors often take photos with their smartphones of celestial showstoppers: Saturn's rings, Mars, distant galaxies. But the equipment that makes that possible is at risk. Although the telescope was replaced in 2009, the protective dome was not. Now, it's seriously showing its age.
"The dome is no longer weatherproof," Gulliver explained. "Snow and rain come in when there's bad weather. The telescope has very complicated and expensive electronics, and right now it might be the only one in the world that has to be covered with a tarp just to keep it safe."
Even if the dome were still weatherproof, its other limitations hamper the university's ability to take advantage of the computerized telescope. Though the telescope can be operated remotely, someone must be on the roof to manually open the dome and monitor the controls.
"It's kind of ironic," Gulliver said. "We have this amazing instrument that can be controlled from anywhere in the world, but you still have to stand there in the wind and cold to open the dome by hand."
Replacing the dome with one that is automated, weather-sealed, and Internet-connected would change that completely. Students, researchers and the public would be able to experience a live view from the telescope just about anywhere, including inside campus classrooms or during public events in the Louis Riel Room.
The cost of a new state-of-the-art dome is estimated at $150,000 double the price of the telescope itself. But with $50,000 already committed by the Gulliver family, Brandon University is inviting additional donations to help close the gap and complete the upgrade.
"This generous gift from the Gulliver family is an incredible first step, and we're excited to invite others to be part of bringing the new dome to life," said Carla Eisler, BU's Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. "Every donation to the Gulliver Astronomical Observatory helps protect this one-of-a-kind facility and ensure it continues to inspire future generations."
"When I first arrived at Brandon University, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-established this observatory was," Gulliver recalled. He credited physics professor Wes Wong, his wife Helen Wong, and the Brandon University Women's Auxiliary for conceiving of and funding the original observatory. "It's amazing to think that their vision has lasted more than 50 years. Now it's our turn to invest in its future."
For more on information on contributing to this project, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at 204-727-7374 or at Advancement@BrandonU.ca.
