Can you think of any high schools that have an observatory on their roof? Well, now you can. On the top of the Cranston building at Norwich Free Academy, there is a small but mighty observatory that the Amateur Radio and Engineering Club has helped reopen after decades. 

Club advisor Dr. Anthony Girasoli and club member Clark Dziavit have been working on the telescope to hopefully bring back public availability to the observatory. “I’ve been working on reopening the observatory for about 10 years, but it’s only been the past two, with Clark’s help that I’ve really moved things forward and gotten to the point now where we can use it,” said Girasoli.

Dziavit, who has been a part of the club for four years, has his own telescope and is able to bring his own knowledge to help with the project. “I am familiar with the hobby of astro-photography, so I’ve been able to help out…what Dr. Girasoli knows helps me…with my telescope at home so it kind of just reflects with both of us. Both of our expertise have brought the telescope to a place it has never been before.”

So far Girasoli and Dziavit have only hosted Google Meets in the observatory, because the weather is impacting the ability for in person tours. However, when the warmer weather finally comes around, they hope to have the observatory open for tours.