We (Drs. Layden and Laird) are developing an observational research program using the BGSU 0.5-meter Telescope and CCD Camera system. The aim is to involve student observers in astronomical research which will be published in refereed journals.
Our present project involves monitoring the brightness changes of about a dozen "RR Lyrae" variable stars scattered about the sky. These stars have poor photometry (brightness measurements), which compromises their use in estimating distances, velocities, etc.
Other, more ambitious projects will begin around mid-1999, when our new CCD camera system and filter wheel has been installed and characterized. This page will start to look more interesting then!
Meanwhile, here is a useful list of when the telescope is being used for Stargazes (subject to change when we switch to Daylight Savings Time). We have tentatively assigned certain nights to specific observers, as shown.