Lowell Observatory
Ben Hardesty is an experienced Instrument Scientist at Lowell Observatory, responsible for the creation and maintenance of astronomical instrumentation and related systems across multiple telescope sites in northern Arizona. Prior to this role, Ben worked as a Self-Employed Opto-Mechanical Engineer and as a Research & Development Mechanical Engineer at Montana Instruments, focusing on product development for the cryogenics research industry. With a history of mechanical engineering and technician roles at Lowell Observatory, Ben contributed significantly to the design, assembly, and installation of systems for the 4.3 meter Discovery Channel Telescope. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Arizona University and an Associate of Science in Math and Physics from Coconino Community College.
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Lowell Observatory
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Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by Boston mathematician Percival Lowell. The mission of Lowell Observatory is to pursue the study of astronomy, especially the study of our solar system and its evolution; to conduct pure research in astronomical phenomena; and to maintain quality public education and outreach programs to bring the results of astronomical research to the general public. In 2012, Lowell Observatory embarked on its greatest adventure yet with the completion of the 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). This new facility, in full science operations as of 2015, vastly expands the breadth of research capabilities for Lowell astronomers and those of its institutional partners. Even more exciting, partnership with Discovery Communications provides an avenue to bring research results and breathtaking images to hundreds of millions worldwide. In December of 2017, Lowell Observatory announced a major expansion to the Mars Hill Campus that included an Open Deck Observatory, Universe Theatre, and Open Sky Planetarium. Construction of The Giovale Open Deck Observatory ‘broke ground’ in Summer of 2018 and is scheduled to open in October of 2019.