Department of Astronomy

Through the generosity of IU Astronomy alum William J. Delaney, twelve students enrolled in our undergraduate Modern Observational Techniques course during the Fall 2025 semester were able to participate on an observing trip to the Macalester-Augustana-Coe Research Observatory (MACRO) at the Winer Observatory in Sonoita, AZ. The students traveled to Arizona in two groups in late October, accompanied by faculty members John Salzer and Songhu Wong, and graduate student Laurin Gray. Both student groups were able to spend three nights at MACRO, taking data and getting precious hands-on experiences with modern telescopes, electronic detectors (CCDs) and control software.

The IU astronomy majors quickly became experts at operating both the telescope and CCD camera, and were able to acquire images for a broad range of astronomical sources. Thankfully the weather cooperated and allowed both groups to get plenty of data. Among the highlights of the trip were the ability to enjoy the dark Arizona skies during star-gazing sessions up on the observing deck. For many of the students, this was their first opportunity to see the night sky from a dark site. In addition to the observing experiences, the students also participated in day trips that included hiking portions of the Arizona Trail which runs a few miles west of Sonoita, and getting tours of the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab located on the University of Arizona campus in nearby Tucson. One of the Mirror Lab tours was led by IU alumnus Cody Nelson, who is studying for a degree in Optical Science at the U of A while working on making some of the largest telescope mirrors in the world.

Figure Caption: IU Undergraduate astronomy majors observe at MACRO in Southern Arizona. Students seated next to the computer monitors are Sydney Gargiulo (left) and Robbie Mailliard (right), while seated in the foreground are Colin Deleney (left) and Audrey Galloway (right). Standing to the right is Josh Marine, a Macalester College student who was helping to train the IU team members. Photo by Laurin Gray.