The PenOpticon

It is astounding to me that the University of Toronto continues to ignore the public and politicians calling on them to cancel the sale of David Dunlap Observatory.  The DDO land and buildings were donated in the 1930's and the facility has been doing useful science on every clear night since then.   Because it sits in an urban area, the 74-inch telescope is used for niche areas of astronomy: primarily stellar spectroscopy.

At the same time, Richmond Hill has adapted the growth of the town around the 190 acre park.  It is now the largest and last remaining green space in the middle of town and is much needed by people and animals alike.

U of T should listen to the more than 2000 people who signed this Online Petition and 2000 others who joined the Save David Dunlap Observatory Facebook group. And the 5000 signatures we delivered to the Ontario Legislature and the University of Toronto. The University should also look at the number of newspaper articles, letters, editorials and blogs which have called the sale a "cash grab" or worse.

People do not want to fund the University of Toronto by selling the land beneath our feet.