The inauguration of the Sam Houston State University Dominey Observatory marked a significant milestone as it opened its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week..
Among those addressing the event were University President Alisa White, and Barbara Dominey, the widow of Sam Dominey, a Bearkat alumnus. Following Sam’s passing, Barbara chose to bestow a generous gift towards the establishment of a new observatory and was overjoyed at seeing the project’s completion.
Dominey’s gift provided the funding for the Department of Physics and Astronomy to expand on their commitment to research opportunities and community service through the new public observatory located near Highway 19 in Huntsville.
The first phase of development features a new state-of-the-art observatory with a domed retractable roof that is fully ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. This is made possible by the unique design of the new Dominey telescope, which brings the eyepiece down to a steady seated height using a special periscope attachment. Dual stairways connected to the main viewing platform allows for large groups to enjoy this amazing telescope efficiently, and a lift offers access for people in chairs or who have limited mobility.
