The telescope collection, valued at $50,000, provides new opportunities for students to explore space. The College hopes to install a rooftop observatory in the new science center, giving the telescopes a suitable home with access for students interested in astronomy.

Senior lecturer Amy Abe said the donation allows students to view and ultimately photograph astronomical wonders using the high quality optics in the telescopes.

Lake Forest residents, Harold and Carole Weibel, reached out to the Department of Physics last summer looking to find a new home for their impressive collection of high quality telescopes. Professor Michael Kash and Abe worked with students and Aramark to transport nine telescopes, a large assortment of accessories, and a small library of books to campus.

A graduate of Cornell College and fan of the liberal arts, Weibel was cleaning out his Lake Forest house and decided that he could give the collection to one person or a place where a lot of people can use them. He chose the latter. Weibel also offered to pay for any repairs needed, making sure that the telescopes get put to good use.

First-year students have already taken advantage of the new telescopes to observe a recent full moon. Professor Kash said the telescopes produced striking images. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Once the renovated science center is completed during the 2018–2019 academic year, all students should be able to access powerful new views of the cosmos.

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