CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Wednesday marked a big day at the Alder Planetarium as a crane hoisted its giant telescope from its long-time home.
"This is a pretty exciting day in the history of the Doane Observatory at the Alder," said Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing.
After 32 years, the telescope is being replaced to make room for a new and improved one.
"The telescope has come out in three parts. The three heaviest parts came out through the roof today," she said. "The largest pieces weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 to 900 pounds each, so it's a pretty hefty piece of equipment."
Nichols said the old telescope has provided some amazing sights over the years.
"We are getting a larger telescope, which will allow us to see slightly dimmer stuff which is great and people will be able to take a look through this thing and it will allow us to do some research projects as well," she said.
"We hope to have more eyeballs up to that eyepiece. That's my goal. We also hope to get research with high school and undergrads, having them help us explore new stuff out there that some of the bigger observatories can't do. Our new telescope will do great things. We're excited for this new chapter." Nichols said.
The new 24-inch reflector telescope is expected to be installed by the end of November.
