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Taken using a long exposure, as the dome was
rotated around with hatch open and the red lights on.
UND Observatory with North Dakota aurora in the
background. (Slightly compressed vertically)
Planetary Science Observatory 
An 18-inch reflecting telescope (NGT Newtonian
with ST-6 CCD camera) allows high-quality observations of solar
system bodies of various sizes. The Space Studies Department's
research focus is small bodies such as asteroids and comets, some of
which approach very near to the Earth.
Goals and Objectives
 To promote planetary
science education and research through the use of a small
observatory for the university and Grand Forks communities.
To provide shelter for
students and professors while observing during the harsh winter
months in North Dakota.
To detect and study
near-Earth objects particularly the characterization of recently
discovered near-Earth asteroids with UBVRI photometry.
Accomplishments
Two students have
completed independent study projects for their M.S. degrees using
the telescope, and other students have expressed interest in
similar investigations.
A special observing
course is planned for students interested in observing techniques.
The observatory has been
the basis for an NSF funded equipment grant to integrate
computer-based projects into undergraduate teaching.
The telescope has
inspired the formation of a local astronomy club.
Other departments, such
as geology and physics, have made plans to use the observatory for
class projects.
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