Like never before, technological advancements have expanded the world’s capacity, and curiosity, to observe and understand the universe—look no further than the beautiful images produced by NASA’s largest and latest space telescope.

It’s no surprise, then, that interest in astronomy has been steadily growing on campus as well. In the last two years, according to David Nice, professor of physics and department head, one-third of graduating physics majors had an astronomy concentration. “We have had a long tradition of students participating in astronomical research projects, and we are now strengthening our class offerings,” he says.

Prof. Stephanie Douglas, who joined the Lafayette faculty four years ago, has reworked observational astronomy offerings, giving both introductory and advanced students the chance—when the weather cooperates—to take in telescope observation nights at Hugel Science Center. As the intrigue on campus builds, it’s worth noting that Lafayette’s space offerings are actually part of its roots: The College offered a National Astronomy and Navigation program during the 1835-36 academic year.