Missouri observatory reopens after renovations

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(AP) – An observatory in southwest Missouri has reopened after
completing renovations.

The Joplin Globe reports that the Stilabower Public Observatory in Lamar has a
new replacement telescope that allows visitors to specify an object or
coordinates to find in the sky.

The observatory is located on the Lamar High School campus. It was built in
1993 for an estimated $160,000.

The observatory’s original telescope could no longer be properly maintained
after years of use. The telescope’s manufacturers also stopped making the parts
needed to keep the device up to date.

The Lamar School District and the community launched a fundraiser to renovate
the observatory.

Zach Harris is superintendent of the school district. He says renovations cost
about $15,000 and also included an upgraded wall, upgraded lighting, and
repainting the dome.

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