University of Chicago announces plan to close Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay

WILLIAMS BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The University of Chicago has announced plans to limit activity at the Yerkes Observatory located in Williams Bay over the next six months and completely end all involvement on October 1. 

The University is talking with the staff at Yerkes and neighboring communities to discuss a long term plan for the observatory.

According to a statement, University of Chicago said that the Yerkes Observatory no longer contributes to their research mission. They have made major investments in the Magellan and Giant Magellan telescopes in Chile. 

The Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences at University of Chicago, Edward Kolb said Yerkes, "Is an important part of the history of the University, and we hope it will become, in some form, a valuable resource to the surrounding community and visitors to the Lake Geneva area."

The observatory was established in 1897. The University says they currently have no plans for the building and have not approached any potential buyers.

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