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What is the James Wylie Shepherd Observatory?
The James Wylie Shepherd Observatory provides an informal setting for members of the extended university community to increase their understanding of science, mathematics and technology through presentations on the history and development of astronomy combined with telescopic observation. By stressing the historical interactions between astronomy and other sciences and human endeavors, an appreciation of true interdisciplinary and the interconnectedness of knowledge will be fostered. By providing regular observatory access and frequent educational programs and presentations, the project creates bridges between the University, regional teachers, Middle and High school students, their parents, and members of the community.Why Now?
There is a desperate need for increased public understanding of mathematics and science. As technology marches on, the populace must be literate in these areas in order to meet the minimal requirements of self-governance. Elected officials constantly ballyhoo the need for America to “catch up” in mathematics and science. Observational astronomy provides a superb conduit toward accomplishing that goal, by instilling a sense of wonder and excitement, and a desire to learn more. Whether it is a lunar crater, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, or the rings of Saturn, everyone gasps upon looking through a good telescope for the first time. And then the questions start. Once people start thinking and wondering about astronomy, they will be led deeper and deeper into mathematics and science and, with guidance, they will become lifelong learners and better citizens. The James Wylie Shepherd Observatory is a state-of-the-art observatory on the campus of the University of Montevallo and offer University classes, K-12 programs coordinated through AMSTI, professional research opportunities and free public viewings and lectures to the end of increasing the level of interest in the world around us and beyond.How Much Will It Cost?
Phase One of the JWS Observatory is complete. We will have our First Light ceremony on November 21, 2009. For all the features we would like to have at the Observing Complex, the ten-year plan calls for significantly more money. We have several significant donors on board already, and we are submitting a variety of NSF grant proposals and seeking other lines of funding.How Do I Get to the JWSO?
James Wylie Shepherd Observatory
1093 Pebble Road
Montevallo, AL 35115
From the North:
Take I 65 to the Shelby County Airport Exit (234).
Turn left at the light at the bottom of the ramp and go until this road dead ends at County Road 22.
Turn right and continue for 2.8 miles until you reach the first traffic light at Moore’s Crossroads.
To go through Montevallo:
Turn left and stay on 119 for 4.2 miles.The fourth stoplight will be Middle Street—CR 155 to the left, CR 10 to the right.
Turn right on Middle Street
Turn right from CR 10 onto CR 17 in .8 mile
Turn left from CR 17 onto CR 206 in .4 miles.
Turn right from CR 206 onto Pebble Road in .4 miles.
Stay on Pebble Road to Observatory in 1.1 miles.
To go straight to JWSO
From Crossroads traffic signal, stay on CR 22 to CR 17: 2.7 miles
Left on CR 17 to 206 2.8 miles
Turn Right on CR 206
Turn right from CR 206 onto Pebble Road in .4 miles.
Stay on Pebble Road to Observatory in 1.1 miles.
From the South
Exit 228, State Highway 25
Get on 25 southbound.
After 6.1 miles, turn right at the light onto CR 155 (Middle Street)
Stay on Middle Street (which turns into CR10 at the light) for 2 miles
Turn right from CR 10 onto CR 17 in .8 mile
Turn left from CR 17 onto CR 206 in .4 miles.
Turn right from CR 206 onto Pebble Road in .4 miles.
Stay on Pebble Road to Observatory in 1.1 miles.
Here is a printable map from Google from the Shelby County Road exit on I-65 (exit #234) to the JWSO site.
Here is a searchable map from Google. You can zoom in and out and you can get driving directions by clicking "To Here" and entering your address:
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