The Unistellar eVscope 2 in front of the John Payson Williston Observatory. Photo by Norah Tafuri ‘25.
By Norah Tafuri ’25
Staff Writer
Why we are as we are, and everything else. The departments of astronomy and physics prompt students to ask deeper questions about the nature of the universe, and look toward resolving some of the most miraculous and challenging mysteries facing humankind. They push profound thought forward at Mount Holyoke College, and invite all those tempted to understand the nature of the universe to join them. On Oct. 21 the John Payson Williston Observatory opened its doors for students and guests to bear witness to the oldest-functioning academic building on campus.
According to the Mount Holyoke Historical Atlas, primary donor A. Lyman Williston named the observatory after his eldest son, who died at the age of 14 in 1879. Its construction was an effort to expand the potential of the College’s scientific endeavors, assuring Mount Holyoke’s ascension as an esteemed institution.
One of the notable elements of the observatory is its eight-inch refractor, which was “the last telescope made by Alvan Clark, one of the most prominent telescope-makers of the 19th century,” according to the Historical Atlas. It stands at an enormous length, rotating on cannon balls in a dimly lit, rounded room. As visitors filed in, some paced cautiously around the telescope with awe, quietly chattering among themselves in remark of its size and in estimation of its age. Outside, new pieces of equipment were met with similar enthusiasm. Observers awaited turns at the eyepiece of the astronomy department’s newly purchased Unistellar eVscope 2.
As noted by High Point Scientific, the Unistellar eVscope 2s are simple to use and produce clear images. The device’s Autonomous Field Detection tracking system makes for quick and extremely accurate alignment. The once difficult and long process of setting up the former telescopes used at the observatory has been eliminated entirely. Control of the eVscope 2 is managed through an app available on all iOS and Android smart devices, working to diminish the barrier of knowledge between curious observers and skilled astronomists. This new piece of equipment has made the observatory a more accessible experience than ever before.
The observatory currently has two of the telescopes in its possession. “We’ve been letting students, after a little training, go out with the telescopes, and [they] can take high quality images of the sky very simply. … We could never do [that] before,” Visiting Lecturer of Astronomy Thomas Burbine said.
He hopes that the new technology will encourage more students to engage with the world of astronomy and physics. “We want the observatory being used,” Burbine stated.
The same air of welcome and encouragement is seen in people such as Elijah Jacobs-Marques ’25, a teacher’s assistant in the course “The Sky,” who wants to share their passion and experience. Jacobs-Marques finds great motivation to continue these studies led by the joy of helping guide students who may be looking critically at the sky for the very first time.
“Thinking about the things that are so out there, like ridiculously out of our grasp [and] … the fact that we get to observe and learn about them is just awesome. … I feel like astronomy is just a really good community,” Jacobs-Marques said. “It’s just really cool people interested in cool things.”
Midge Hartshorn FP ’24, astronomy liaison for the Society of Physics Students, spoke about the ways astronomy and physics students find kinship at Mount Holyoke College. “The Society of Physics Students is open to physics and astronomy majors,” they explained. “It’s a national organization, [and] we have [a] local chapter. They organize events for physics students and foster a sense of community.” This organization has been incredibly successful at this effort as they exchange their skills, their enthusiasm and their meditations about the vastness of space.
MJ Khan ’24 is the president of the Society of Physics Students. Khan’s fascination with physics began in the eighth grade. They said that, “the study of astrophysics [is a] more humbling experience. … [You realize] you’re not at the center of the universe. There’s something much bigger around you. Your mistakes aren’t that big.”
The Society of Physics Students seeks to actively bring the community together and encourage a diverse, accountable and positive environment for Mount Holyoke’s astronomy and physics students. “[I want to make sure] everyone has a de-stressing and bonding experience, and [that] … all of my board members feel like they can have a voice and share their opinions,” Khan said.
Khan emphasized that the physics and astronomy departments consider kindness an important feature in their academic community. There is a tradition of care that continues strongly between colleagues. As intimidating as the field of science might appear, Khan also made assurances of interclass support. “Most of my upperclassmen have helped me so much through ups and downs and given me such great advice,” Khan said.
Khan described the network of support between faculty members and students, explaining that faculty members treasure the process of learning and are flexible in meeting the needs of students who are engaging with this complex material. They put action to this sentiment most apparently in their shared community spaces. The physics lounge in Kendade 206 is open to all and has become a place for both faculty and students to find rest and study alongside one another. It is a great opportunity for majors and non-majors alike to convene in appreciation of these studies and become up-to-date on all ongoing events.
Burbine emphasized the varied applications of astronomy and physics. The universe is wide and as human beings continue to explore their own limitations and push towards the highest understanding of our existence, there will be numerous paths to explore in managing the connection between us and space.
“You could be a biology major in astronomy, you could be a geology major, you can be a physics major. … It’s uplifting. … It’s a positive experience,” Burbine said. “If you were just trying to get a treaty on the moon, or even [figure out] what [to] do if an asteroid was coming on collision course, how do you coordinate [that]? There’s different ways — I think you can do astronomy with anything. You want to be a writer? You can write science fiction things or make movies.” Burbine asserts that the major or minor is a fine addition for anyone curious in looking up and out the sky.
Particularly among a population which grows increasingly distant from its stars due to light pollution, Hartshorn reasserts the necessity of observations. They spoke of the beauty of astronomy and physics in a call to remind students to gaze and wonder. They argued that through the study of physics and astronomy, it becomes clear that fragile human existence on this small blue dot becomes not a source of aimless existentialism, but instead deep appreciation for the human side of life.
“[Life is] such a rare and very beautiful thing,” Hartshorn said. “And it’s here, right? [Right] now. And this is the only place that we know of right now with life and that’s so big and exciting and so meaningful. It’s so precious that we get to experience being here now.”
As the astronomy and physics students packed up for the evening after the open houses, storing the sweets and hot cocoa and walking out into a star-filled night, the space they have created reveals itself clearly.
It is one of care and curiosity. They leave a warm invitation to lean into the unfamiliar — to prompt Mount Holyoke students to shift their line of sight and look onwards, and to join a community prepared and eager to grow.