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Dudley Observatory
Supporting research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and the history of astronomy |
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TECH VALLEY EXECUTIVE & SCIENTIST SELECTED TO HEAD BOARD OF DUDLEY OBSERVATORY Astronomy organization celebrates 150 yearsSCHENECTADY, NY (9-19-06) – A Tech Valley entrepreneur and scientist, whose company was recognized around the world for its scientific instrumentation, has been named 22nd president of Dudley Observatory Harvey Patashnick, former president, CEO and co-founder of Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc., of Albany, will head the board of the 150-year-old Dudley Observatory, the oldest independent organization in the U.S. supporting history, education and research in astronomy. “Dudley Observatory is a scientific and cultural treasure of Tech Valley, and it deserves widespread recognition and support – in the region, the state and beyond,” said Patashnick, a resident of Voorheesville. “Our goal today is to expand our astronomy programs in science and technology education to inspire a new generation of science and technology leadership.” Dudley Observatory was founded as a cornerstone of a national university that was to be located in Albany. Hundreds of prominent scientists, politicians and business figures gathered to celebrate the inauguration, held in 1856 upon the completion of the first observatory, built on a hill in North Albany. That event is commemorated in a large oil painting often referred to as “An Event Of No Ordinary Interest,” which hangs in the Albany Institute of History & Art. It memorializes a watershed in American scientific history and contains portraits of the leading American scientists and leaders of the day. “Harvey Patashnick’s energy, enthusiasm, and expertise in both the business and educational aspects of astronomy will be tremendously valuable in launching the Dudley Observatory into its future as a center for science education,” said Janie Schwab, Dudley Observatory executive director. In 1981 Patashnick co-founded Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc., a world recognized engineering and manufacturing company recently acquired by Thermo Electron Corporation. The company has been involved in space-related projects and most recently in the development biodefense systems used at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Patashnick has also been involved in comet research supported through NASA grants, and has an asteroid named after him in recognition of mentoring two high school finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search, using the backyard observatory that he built. Patashnick holds numerous patents and has authored scientific papers on subjects ranging from environmental monitoring to astronomy. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in physics from the University at Albany. Over the years, the Observatory, which was founded in Albany in 1856, has made numerous significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Dr. Benjamin Gould, its first director, was the first Ph.D. in astronomy in the United States. Directors Lewis and Benjamin Boss painstakingly measured the precise position of many thousands of stars, thus providing a basis to understanding the dynamics of the Milky Way. Also on the prestigious list of Dudley greats are Director Curtis L. Hemenway, who introduced the region to space exploration through NASA space research, and recent president Ralph Alpher, who opened the door to modern cosmology by his prediction of the cosmic microwave background. Dudley Observatory is located at 107 Nott Terrace, Schenectady. The executive director is Janie Schwab. There are 16 trustees representing a spectrum of colleges and universities as well as prominent citizens interested in the advancement of astronomy. For more information, visit www.dudleyobservatory.org
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Dudley Observatory |
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