The official opening of the University College of the Cayman Islands Dr. Wm. Hrudey Observatory marked the final stage in a project that began more than ten years ago, when Dr. Hrudey, a lifelong astronomy enthusiast, began building an astronomical telescope in his garage.

Added to Dr. Hrudey’s labour of love – thousands of hours spent building the telescope from parts – was the goodwill of the corporate community, who stepped in with funds, as well as practical help and expertise, to house the telescope in its own state-of-the-art building, situated on the UCCI campus

The telescope is a fully computerised 12.5 inch Newtonian reflector on a split ring equatorial mount which allows it to accurately track celestial object motion.

The Observatory building contains a classroom to accommodate 20 students and an observing deck for the telescope.
The roof over the observing deck actually rolls off, exposing the telescope to the night sky.

Once the Observatory is up and running, new courses will be available to students and to the general public, and there will be daytime and evening school tours, too.

A number of dignitaries and community representatives were present. Premier McKeeva Bush said: “This is a special day, and I am truly elated to be here to participate in an event that opens a new and exciting chapter in the University College’s and Cayman Islands’ history.

“The observatory was built and equipped entirely out of funds from donors and sponsors in the private sector. A heartfelt thanks to all who have collaborated on this project.”

Dr Hrudey said that he hoped the new observatory would “serve as a gateway into physics, mathematics, and other scientific disciplines.”

UCCI President Roy Bodden said “We in the Cayman Islands have to learn to be tolerant and inclusive, and preach inclusiveness.

I want to preface my vote of thanks by saying that this project would not have been possible without the generous donation of many persons who have come to the Cayman Islands because they wanted to make this place their home. Without their generosity, this project would not have been a reality; and that includes the maker and designer of the telescope, and now my good friend, Dr. Bill Hrudey.”