The MSUM Regional Science Center observatory is
named after Paul P. Feder. He and his wife Betty were original
supporters of the Regional Science Center, and major contributors for
The observatory contains a 16-inch cassegrain reflecting telescope.
It is a powerful telescope, run by two computers, one in charge of
aiming it, and the other in charge of recording images. The system uses
sensitive electronic cameras to record images. Images are shown on the
computer monitors in the control booth and may also be projected on a
large screen in the auditorium.
The telescope is used for public programs, undergraduate college instruction, and research.
The telescope is powerful enough to see a candle flame 100 miles
away. To do so take a mirror that collects 4,000 time more light than
the average human eye.