Staring up at the sky, you feel the chill of the snowflakes melting onto your face. Hunching down in your winter coat, you brace yourself against the arctic morning air. As you shuffle to class, you keep the dream of warm beaches and palm trees close to your mind. With another harsh winter coming, it can be difficult to get out of bed. However, there is an oasis that we can escape to right here on campus. A safe haven to experience a little bit of summer, even in the midst of winter. The greenhouse provides this refuge and relaxation during these hectic months.
The greenhouse, located on the roof of the Science Complex, contains many different plant species representing a wide range of biodiversity. Different rooms within the greenhouse are related to various environments and ecosystems. These rooms invite you to be transported to another world away from the cold. First, enter the tropical room, and discover a world of tropical plants, including Ficus (fig) trees, a large Monstera plant, and a variety of ferns. Then step into the dry desert air, walking through cacti and succulents, shielding your eyes against the glare of the burning sun. End your journey in the waterfall room and admire the bird-of-paradise and palms as you make your way back to reality.
The greenhouse and the museum are open about once a month on Sabbath afternoons, allowing students to come and check out the plants. Many students also enjoy going in to have a mid-winter photoshoot among the greenery. Dr. Lyons, a Biology Professor, says “The greenhouse is a beautiful location to feel some tropical warmth amidst the cold Michigan winter.” Be on the lookout for posters around the Science Complex announcing the next greenhouse opening.
Another consolation from the winter is the crisp night sky. On a clear night, it’s nice to stare up at the sky away from the city, trying to identify familiar constellations and planets. However, many people are unaware that Andrews University actually has its very own observatory. The Robert and Lillis Kingman Observatory, located on a hill behind the Pathfinder building, is a fairly new addition to the campus. About three years ago, the old observatory was replaced with a new and improved building named after the former Physics Department Chair, Dr. Robert Kingman and his wife Lillis Kingman.
The observatory offers a public observing program called Skywatch that allows the community to come in and use the telescope. A volunteer will be there to assist people with using the telescope as well as pointing out certain constellations or planets that you may be able to see at the time. Skywatch takes place several times throughout the month, usually on a Friday or Saturday night, and all events regarding the observatory are on the Kingman Observatory calendar and website (andrews.edu/observatory). Just make sure to check the calendar before heading over as the fickle Michigan weather may cause the Skywatch to be rescheduled. Directions to the observatory, either by car or on foot are also listed on the website.
You can look forward to seeing Saturn, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy over the next couple of weeks. So pop by the observatory to check them out, and enjoy a winter getaway.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.