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Solar Shift
A recent campus landmark, the obelisk gracing the Memorial Quad might one day be spotted in a different campus location
by Trevor Davis | News Reporter
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The temporary obelisk that rises more than 30 feet above the Memorial Quad Lawn north of the Knight Library is set to be taken apart this month. Supporters of the project say the obelisk was a success, and they hope to build a permanent structure somewhere on campus.
The permanent structure would likely be made of bronze or granite, physics professor Greg Bothun said. The structure probably won't be installed in the quad, and supporters say a University Street and 13th Avenue location is more plausible. The area below the permanent obelisk will include cement markings to measure shadows.
"You can't do that on the grass surface," Bothun said, referring to the quad location.
The obelisk is considered to be one of the first tools of modern science, and the University's version is a scaled-down replica of a Roman solarium. The timepiece became an interdisciplinary project that was used in University classes.
Bothun said he isn't sure exactly how the University's project came about.
"I don't think anyone knows," Bothun said.
Supporters say the obelisk is used in architecture, history and science classes. In astronomy, for example, students measure the circumference of the earth by measuring shadows of meter sticks.
"We found when we were trying to do that with meter sticks they were completely inadequate," said Robert Zimmerman, professor of physics. Zimmerman and his students set up a sun dial near McKenzie Hall about two years ago for what he called a "trial run."
"The observation was made that it would be a great teaching tool and a way to unite both history and the beginning of astronomy," Zimmerman said.
Other departments jumped on board, including the architecture department, and the obelisk was constructed about six months ago. Obelisk backers wanted to construct a temporary structure instead of a permanent one at first to stimulate campus discussion and because materials were cheaper.
Since then, other universities have inquired about the obelisk and want to build a similar model, said history professor John Nicols. Media outlets, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, have written about the University's obelisk.
The temporary structure, made partly of plywood, is starting to bulge on the sides, and some caulking is missing.
"We were well aware that might happen," Nicols said. "It has held up and looks better than we thought. It still looks very nice."
Facilities Services plans to take out the temporary obelisk sometime this month - tentatively on Jan. 24, depending on weather conditions. The structure was supposed to be removed last week, but the ground around the obelisk is soggy from winter rain. Facilities Services will use a cherry picker to unscrew the four segments of the obelisk.
The faculty group is still trying to find funding for the permanent structure and remains optimistic.
Zimmerman called the project a success and said the obelisk became a symbol of campus.
"It illustrates striking beauty," Zimmerman said. "I really do think it's beautiful. It unites what we teach in education - all the way from science to the humanities."
Supporters have created a Web site that details the project's history. For more information, those interested can visit http://solarium.uoregon.edu. The Web site also includes a live view of the obelisk.
tdavis@dailyemerald.com
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