<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_uAOend6gXI?hl=en&fs=1 ” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true” width=”425″ height=”344″>

The Rice University Campus Observatory, a landmark in the middle of the North Annex Parking Lot since 2002, moved nearer to the stars this week when it was disassembled, trucked down Campanile Drive and lifted by crane to its new perch atop a landing on the east end of the new Brockman Hall for Physics.

Despite frequent rain and pesky wind, the operation was carried out Nov. 3 and 4. The physics building is expected to be ready for occupancy in the spring, and the telescope should be back in business for academic and public use in 2011.

Click here for a Rice Magazine history of the telescope.