Since joining the Wittenberg faculty in 1998, Fleisch has shared his love of stargazing with both the young and old thanks to Weaver Observatory and its 1930s Alvin Clark Company telescope with a C.R. Lundin lens, a rare gem according to Fleisch.

“The lens was the first one made by Lundin after he left Alvin Clark,” he said. Thousands have peeked through that Lundin lens during the more than 70 open houses Fleisch has hosted at the observatory.

For the close approach of Mars last year, Fleisch welcomed 2,000 people during 15 open houses scheduled over a two-month period.“The open houses have been incredible and usually coordinate with astronomy news,” he explained.

In June, for example, 75 people turned out to see Venus’ transit in front of the sun, and Fleisch expects a strong turnout in July when a spacecraft visits Saturn.

At the same time, Fleisch regularly dons his tour guide cap for school groups, Scouts and their parents at the observatory.