As you have browsed through the web pages of the UND Observatory, hopefully you have noticed a sense of excitement, dynamism, and innovation that is pervading our astronomy efforts in the Department of Space Studies. Our goal is nothing less than to build and maintain a strong and vibrant astronomy research and education effort at the university and within the department. We believe this effort will benefit not only UND, but also our students, the greater Grand Forks community, and the people of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Now for a reality check: With any new effort, there is a need for funding and commitment. With renovation and building plans costing more than $3 million, our plans need financial, institutional, and public support to become a reality. Within UND, various efforts are underway to find funding for the large observatory, but the outcomes of those efforts are uncertain. Unfortunately, universities do not typically have several million dollar reserves for ambitious projects such as ours. That means we need your help. If you are browsing through these web pages, you are probably an astronomy enthusiast and an educator, student, or member of the general public. We need people like you - many of you - to help us grow and build and bring a vibrant astronomy and scientific outreach effort to North Dakota. You will become a part of something larger and you will also be able to participate in our efforts as well.

Please contact Dr. Paul Hardersen at (701) 777-4896 or via email at Hardersen@space.edu if you have any questions about donations. Please click on the following link to make a tax-deductible donation to the UND Aerospace Foundation:

I would like to Donate .

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors will receive confirmation of their donation. For potential large donors, special recognition of your contribution is possible. Contact Dr. Hardersen for details.