EASTON, Maine — Aroostook County has always been known for its wide-open spaces and big views, but work being done at The Francis Malcolm Science Center will lead to views that are out of this world, thanks to a local Eagle Scout candidate.
“This project is a year and a half in the making,” explained Connor St. Peter while taking a break from construction. “I felt that even though attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a large honor and involves a lot of work, the projects that most Scouts do are fairly small. I do not wish to undermine the projects of Scouts who should be proud of their achievements, rather, I want to go above and beyond with mine.”
St. Peter’s Eagle Scout project is to build a permanent observatory building to house a telescope for peering deep into space and exploring the cosmos.
“I have a passion for astronomy and a hope to bolster its presence in the lives of others just the same as how it was given to me by my instructor Larry Berz,” stated St. Peter, who hails from Kenduskeag and is a recent graduate of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone.
“The construction of the new Science Center observatory will signal a remarkable new experience in astronomical awareness and adventure for our entire community,” said Planetarium Director Larry Berz. “Most of my own personal astronomical observations with telescopes depended upon bringing equipment into the field including all the small steps of assembling and packing gear. A permanent observatory from a dark sky site now provides instant access to telescopes and related accessories. This amounts to much more time to observe the universe on a more efficient and focused basis.”
That is something Berz, known for his passionate, energetic teaching style, can’t wait to share with residents of Aroostook County and beyond once the project is completed later this year.
“As an educational resource, the observatory will give visitors of all ages the unique opportunity to see the tools of the astronomer firsthand and to offer the unmatched experience of seeing planets, star clusters, galaxies and related wonder directly with the eye rather than the flat images provided on-line or by related media and text,” Berz said.
“The spinoff of such exciting moments will lead to further investment by the community in telescopes and other aids for enhancing awareness and investment in one of Aroostook County’s greatest resources: a dark star filled sky untarnished by encroaching light pollution and related social stress.”
The observatory building roof is designed to roll off onto supported rails, allowing the telescope to remain in place and give quick access to the stars above. St. Peter has assembled a team of volunteers, young and old, who worked with him on the plans, engineered the custom-built building and solicited donations. Work started at the end of the school year and progress has been steady.
“As a past Scout leader, I enthusiastically endorsed Connor’s request to tackle such a bold initiative to complete his Eagle Scout requirements,” said Phil Christensen, a member of the Science Center’s Board of Directors.
“Knowing that a Scout cannot ask for money or free materials, I assisted him in reaching out to local vendors of products and services that he needed and am overwhelmed by the generous response he received,” Christensen said, adding several businesses and individuals have offered help and donated.
“The support provided by his family and friends has motivated us all. And the local students, residents and visitors to our area will be the beneficiaries of this exciting adventure,” Christensen said.
“I’ve always been told of how amazing the citizens of Aroostook County are, having lived in Penobscot County my whole life, but only after going to school up there and now leaving my mark in Easton, have I truly realized how dedicated the citizens are to their communities,” said St. Peter. “From thousands of dollars in cash donations from individuals to the generous local companies who provided well more than expected, I’ve been inspired by the support of Aroostook and statewide communities.”
“When the Board was approached by Connor to build the observatory at the Francis Malcolm Science Center, we jumped at the idea and approved the request right away,” said Jim Orser, president of the Science Center’s board.
“This project, once completed, will add a new science education opportunity to what is offered today at the Science Center. Both children and adults will enjoy a far-reaching experience as they reach to the stars and planets – an opportunity that they have not had in the past,” Orser said.
John Strid, also on the center’s board, has been St. Peter’s construction adviser and served as his superintendent at the work site and has enjoyed using his construction experience on this project.
“It has been fun applying my experience on home and commercial construction to help Connor with this unique building. Connor has a great team and we have enjoyed helping him and working together,” Strid said. “I got hooked on the Science Center when Larry Berz had me look through the giant telescope and I saw the rings of Saturn. I look forward to when our public can share this experience.”
Rick Shepherd, another board member, has been the jack-of-all-trades for St. Peter. He helped with the roof roll-off system and has worked at the site.
“I enjoy the camaraderie and seeing this special contribution that Connor is providing the community come together. Working with our team and Connor and his friends Justin Pelletier, Thomas Moore, Sam Cullins and others has made this a great experience,” Shepherd said.
The center welcomes donations at FMSC Scout Observatory Project, PO Box 186, Easton, ME 04740 or at GoFundMe – Francis Malcolm Science Center, Easton, Maine.
