Off Hours

Bob Horton: CIT computer operator, astronomer


An avid astronomer and holder of multiple jobs, Bob Horton brings new meaning to the term moonlighting. Horton works both as a full-time computer operator in the CIT and a part-time technical advisor to students and faculty working in astronomy.

"We don't know what we would do without him," said David Targan, director of the Ladd Observatory. "He has taken a lead role in improving maintenance of the instruments. There are not too many people around who know how to work on telescopes. In fact, he is the only person I would trust to take the lens out of the telescope in the Ladd Observatory, which is 105 years old and beyond measuring in value."

Horton, past president of the Celestial Observers of Rhode Island, began helping the physics department shortly after beginning work at the CIT some eight years ago. Since then he has assisted in astronomy labs, maintained equipment, and worked with a cadre of volunteers staffing the Ladd Observatory. Most recently, Horton has been instrumental in helping with the planning and construction of the new observatory on the roof of the Barus and Holley Building. He has also been involved to a lesser extent with renovations at the Ladd Observatory, which is scheduled to reopen to the public this spring.

"This is a labor of love for me," said Horton, who was inspired to enter astronomy by the Apollo space mission. "The hours are demanding with both jobs, but I really enjoy doing it."

Horton extends his knowledge of astronomy to the public as well. For the last several years, he has taught basic astronomy at the Brown Learning Community. "I am not heavy on the sciences. I try to show people how beautiful a night sky is," he said. "Many people think that you need an expensive telescope to see the stars. But the discoveries that were made 200 to 300 years ago were made with instruments cruder that anything amateurs have today."

Photo of Comet Hyakutake taken on March 23 at Jerimoth Hill, Foster RI, by Bob Horton

Horton's love for the heavens has an artistic bent as well. He has been photographing astral events for the last 17 years. Several of his award-winning photographs have been published and used in local television news broadcasts.

Horton, who currently is reorganizing the astronomy slide library, is eagerly awaiting Hale-Bopp, hailed as the comet of the decade. "It is getting brighter and brighter. The head of the comet is more brilliant than any one we've seen in recent years. We are going to be in for a spectacular treat," said Horton. - Richard P. Morin

Do you know someone at Brown who has an interesting avocation or public service project? Call the George Street Journal at 863-2476 or send mail to Tracie Sweeney, editor.