Welcome to the UND Observatory! As the leader in astronomy research in North Dakota and founder of the Space Grant Internet Telescope Network (SGITN), the UND Observatory is leading the way to building a dynamic and growing astronomy research infrastructure in North Dakota.

The mission of the UND Observatory is to increase and expand the astronomical research infrastructure and capabilities in North Dakota. The primary goals that will help accomplish this mission include: 1) defining and developing astronomy research efforts in North Dakota; 2) encouraging North Dakota faculty and student research in astronomy; and 3) promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in North Dakota's K-12 schools.

Current and expanding astronomy research efforts in North Dakota include asteroid near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic research, solar physics research; broadband photometric research of asteroids and variable stars; and visible-wavelength stellar spectroscopy. Through partnership with the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium and the North Dakota NASA EPSCoR programs, the UND Observatory is working to promote a primary Research Focus Area (RFA) in North Dakota, which is to increase and expanding astronomical and planetary science research in the state.

Contact Dr. Paul S. Hardersen at Hardersen@space.edu or at (701) 777-4896 with any questions. Only through increasing participation from faculty, students, teachers, and the citizens of North Dakota can we accomplish our goals. Join us today!