Lindheimer: Observatory Emeritus

The Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center was equipped with 16'' and 40'' telescopes, and was used for the last decade exclusively by undergraduate students enrolled in the Physics and Astronomy department's general education course Highlights of Astronomy.

Despite its education use, and a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for development of interactive laboratories based upon student images obtained through the 40'', Northwestern University decided to tear the building down.

Alas, the Observatory, once a proud structure:

decided to put up a fight:

Video captures of the attempted demolition are available:
(9/20 New and improved! Smaller file size! Better picture! Sound!)

Boom: QuickTime (1.1 MB)
Boom: AVI (1.2 MB)
Boom: MPEG (no sound; 281k)

Dedication: May 4, 1967

Other Lindheimer pages:

Jim Pendleton
Mike Nystrom
Phil Burns

The Daily Northwestern stories about Lindheimer's demise
(caeat emptor: The Daily does not always get their facts straight.)

May 5, 1995
May 9, 1995
Lindheimer's Last Stand (September 15, 1995)
Lindheimer Finally Crumbles (September 18, 1995)
Overheard at the Observatory (September 18, 1995)
Observatory Was Vital Educational Tool (Letters to the Editor; September 18, 1995)

October 28, 1995 - Robert Lentz (ralentz@ralentz.com)