New astronomy exhibit showcases early glass slides

A new exhibit in the downstairs of Fuertes Observatory allows visitors to view 800 glass lantern slides uncovered and catalogued by the Cornell Astronomical Society.

Andrew Lewis '27, an electrical engineering major and vice president of the astronomical society, said the lantern slides - transparent photographs or paintings on glass plates designed to be projected onto a screen using an early slide projector - were sitting in three plastic tubs in a Fuertes office.

Though they had been digitized several years ago by members of the society and are available on the astronomical society's website, the actual slides haven't been on display recently.

"We found them, thought they were pretty cool and that it was disappointing they were just sitting there," Lewis said.

The Cornell Astronomical Society is a student organization that sponsors weekly Friday night observing events at the observatory at 209 Cradit Farm Drive, as well as special events and talks related to space and astronomy.

Read the full story on The College of Arts & Sciences website.