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Weitsman to transform Sagan house in Ithaca into observatory

Weitsman to transform Sagan house in Ithaca into observatory

The former home of Cornell's Carl Sagan. (file) Photo: Saga Communications


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Carl Sagan’s former house is being donated to science.

Businessman Adam Weitsman has revealed plans to turn the Stewart Ave. structure, which he purchased in 2024, into a research observatory. He’s working with Dr. Ari Loeb, an astrophysicist at Harvard University and director of the Galileo Project.

“When I purchased this property, I wanted to do something meaningful that would honor Carl Sagan and his incredible legacy. He inspired generations to look at the universe with curiosity and wonder,” Weitsman said. “Partnering with Dr. Loeb gives us an opportunity to continue that spirit of exploration, bring groundbreaking research to Ithaca and create something that can inspire future generations.”

Adam Weitsman (top) and Dr. Ari Loeb (bottom) (Photos provided)

It’ll take about a year to re-develop the house into a research center, Weitsman said. Once completed, it will become the Galileo Project’s fourth observatory.

“Carl Sagan believed in sharing the excitement of scientific discovery with the public. This observatory will honor that spirit by giving people an opportunity to engage with real scientific research, explore observations and experience the process of discovery firsthand. We hope to inspire the same curiosity about the universe that Sagan brought to so many people,” Loeb said.

Development will begin later this month.

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