11/19/2025
Reaching for the stars: The John C. Hook Observatory shines again at Indiana State University
In the late 1980s, alum James Wallace was a student at Indiana State University. With a love for the night sky, he went to work as the student director for the John C. Hook Memorial Observatory. It was in the Dome, through a telescope, that he got the chance to show off what he said the public mostly only read about. His love of astronomy grew during his time on campus, as he served as both the undergraduate and graduate student director.
“I was honored and privileged to bring my vision of the heavens to the fine folks of the Wabash Valley for nearly seven years,” Wallace said.
Dr. Jennifer Latimer, chairperson of the Indiana State University Department of Earth & Environmental Systems, said, “The dome that sits atop the Science Building has been a unique feature of the Indiana State University campus since the 1960s.”
26 years have passed since the Dome was used regularly. For the current student director of the Observatory, Kody Walker, that’s two decades too many.
So, Walker and Wallace went to work, spending their free time sanding, painting, and restoring the Dome. Together, the pair revitalized the inside of the Dome as well as the rare telescope, giving them the chance to once again share their passion with the community. Something they are eagerly looking forward to.
“This remarkable and historic observatory brings people together to experience the wonders of the cosmos and share a collective love of space and astronomy,” Walker said.
“The reopening of the John C. Hook Memorial Observatory Dome is a powerful testament to the impact of collaborative, hands-on learning at Indiana State University,” Dr. Melinda Roberts, Dean of the Indiana State University College of Arts and Sciences, said. “It’s inspiring to see an alumnus and a student,James and Kody, lead this revitalization.”
“It will be great to have a functioning dome again, which will expand student and community opportunities to experience the night sky,” Latimer added.
You are invited to celebrate the reopening of the John C. Hook Observatory Dome on Thursday, Nov. 20. The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems are hosting a night under the stars. Join us at 7:30 p.m. in the Science Building’s second-floor lounge for remarks and a reception followed by a rooftop demonstration of the dome’s rotation and shutter operation. Public telescopic viewing will be led by Wallace and Walker, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
All members of the public are warmly invited to attend this event
As Walker looks toward his graduation this spring, he is grateful to have this checked off his bucket list. He said he could not have accomplished it without the manpower and support of Wallace.
Wallace’s passion for astronomy is reignited, and he said he is proud to once again share his “vision of the heavens above” with the entire community, especially the students who call Indiana State home.
