In an effort to expand the astronomy program,  Niles West will be preparing to add a new observatory in the south parking lot this month.

The building  is currently being prepared in Maryland and will arrive in June. According to science teacher Elizabeth Ramseyer, the room will have a telescope  which will be placed on a pier that is currently being used in the astronomy class.

“This building will enable all of our students and the community at large to experience the evening skies in Skokie.  The observatory will also allow the astronomy students to more easily use our classroom imaging equipment to record and study the light from the stars in our skies,”  Ramseyer said. 

Ever since 2006, the Niles West astronomy class has been helping host the Morton Grove Historical Society Star party. A gentleman who was fond of the astronomy class,  John Slater, attended many of the parties and was impressed by the astronomy students from Niles West. He decided he wanted to donate the new observatory to Niles West High School.

Sophomore Walter Lindwall said it was a good addition to the Niles West curriculum.

“That’s cool,  I think it’ll be a good educational experience,” he said.