Eyes on the Stars

The study of astronomy does not need to be complex. It does not require much in the way of equipment. Simply walk outside on a clear night and you can see the moon, stars, constellations and, occasionally, events like meteor showers. It is, however, a discipline that can lead people to ask complicated questions that have philosophical as well as scientific underpinnings: Why are we here? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone in it? Le Moyne students are no strangers to these questions. Now they have an even greater opportunity to ask – and answer – them.
I love the idea that we may make discoveries in space that can help us to better understand our existence here on Earth
Totality on The Heights
The entire Le Moyne community gathered to marvel at the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024

Emma Gross ’26 (in the white sweater) talks with President Linda LeMura during the solar eclipse.

Associate Professor of Physics Chris Bass, Ph.D., shows some features of the telescope to his students.

The College recently launched a five-course, 15-credit minor in astronomy. Housed in the Department of Physics, the program allows students to study and better understand the universe. The minor is open to students of all majors, with no more math involved than algebra. (There is an astrophysics minor that does require more advanced math.)