News Release

All Campuses

Cerro Coso Pays Tribute to Dr. Alex Shlanta

July 3, 2008

Dr. Alex Shlanta, Astronomy Instructor and developer of the Observatory at the College, passed away June 29, 2008.

"We at Cerro Coso have lost a wonderful colleague and friend, Dr. Alex Shlanta. Alex was the driving force behind the Astronomical Observatory at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest. He will be greatly missed by the Cerro Coso family of friends." Joann Handeland, Director of Information, Development and Alumni Relations.

The Dr. Alex Shlanta Astronomical Observatory was dedicated in May 2006 and is named in honor of Dr. Alex Shlanta who's dedication, management and unfailing efforts have brought multiple astronomy domes and telescopes to Cerro Coso, expanding the hands-on experience for numerous students and for community members alike.

Work on the Observatory commenced in 1999 through the inspiration and leadership of Dr. Alex Shlanta, an Adjunct Faculty member at the College. Presently, there are 19 telescopes and 8 pairs of binoculars that are housed in the 4 observing domes and 3 storage areas within the observatory compound. The observatory has been developed as a hands-on "teaching astronomical observatory" and is used by Astronomy and Physical Science Lab classes at the College. This observatory provides a unique experience for the students at the College as most introductory college astronomy lab classes are taught only using interactive computer systems. The observatory is used as a community asset as well with star parties having been held at the observatory for local youth groups, boy scouts, cub scouts, girl scouts, middle school science students, and 3rd, 5th, and 6th grade students.'" http://www.cerrocoso.edu/iwv/observatory/index.htm

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230