McMaster Hall and Ritter Planetarium
Abstract
Description
MCMASTER HALL - Year of Construction: 1987; $7.92 million. Architects: Munger, Munger, and Associates. McMaster Hall was constructed in order to bring the physics and astronomy departments - which had spaces in various University buildings at the time - together in one location, as well as to provide space to accommodate increasing enrollment. Built just east of Ritter Planetarium and Observatory, the site was chosen due to its proximity to Ritter and so that it could serve as a gateway to Centennial Mall from the east side of campus. The building has seven levels and contains research labs, ion accelerators, and a helioscope. Helen and Elgin Brooks Observatory is located on the top floors of McMaster Hall. It was completed in 1987 and is dedicated to public outreach and undergraduate education. Until 2015, the 16-foot diameter dome housed a small telescope. <br/><br/>RITTER PLANETARIUM - Year of Construction: 1967; $925,000. Architects: Richards, Bauer & Moorehead This center for astrophysical research consists of two parts. Ritter Planetarium contains a 115-seat auditorium Under a 40-foot dome and is used by the University as well as school groups and the general public. It was named for George and Mary Ritter, who donated $400,000 toward the cost of construction. The observatory tower portion houses a 1-meter Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope, making it the largest optical telescope in the region. While the observatory is used primarily by department faculty and students, the telescope is also open to the public on the first Friday of every month, weather permitting.
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Keywords
Education and Schools, University of Toledo -- History