Chabot Space & Science Center Unveils New Telescope Eyepiece That Allows Wheelchair Access to the Stars.

(From AScribe)

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Visitors to Chabot's 36-inch telescope, "Nellie," will now be able to observe the skies from a sitting position, allowing those in wheelchairs to observe planets, star clusters, galaxies and other celestial wonders with their own eyes. Chabot is the second facility in the country to acquire the eyepiece, which will allow all of its visitors, no matter what their mobility, equal access to the Universe.

The eyepiece, an ARE-125, easily replaces the standard eyepiece and extends downward to a height comfortable for someone in a sitting position. "I am so excited that Chabot has fulfilled its promise to the community," said Chabot volunteer and wheelchair rider Dee Dee Dewey. "I can't wait to get my first glimpse through the telescope and see the stars for myself." Manufactured by DFM Engineering, funds for the $5,000 eyepiece were provided by Kaiser Permanente, supplemented by donations from Chabot Volunteers Paul Hoy, Dee Dee Dewey and Carter Roberts.

"Nellie" is the newest telescope addition and accompanies Chabot's two historic telescopes, 20-inch Rachel and 8-inch Leah. The 36-inch telescope is used in astronomical research, particularly for the search of extrasolar planets and the imaging of fine detail in deep space objects such as distant galaxies and nebula. On any given Friday or Saturday evening when the weather is clear, over 200 visitors each night peer through the telescopes to get a view of Saturn, the Moon, star clusters and various other astronomical objects. Telescope viewing is free and Chabot hosted over 800 people per night ...