VESTAL (WBNG) — Governor Kathy Hochul made a series of stops in the Binghamton area Thursday afternoon, including a stop at the Kopernik Observatory and Science Center in Vestal.

The governor took a tour of the facility, checking out Kopernik’s telescopes and other cutting-edge technologies while learning more about local Southern Tier astronauts.

After the tour, Hochul announced $1 million in state funding for the observatory, which was secured in part by 123rd District Democratic Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

“Places like this sometimes need a little extra help as times go by,” Hochul said. “It’s this place where you’ve used this incredible power with telescopes and the images you create and send around the world are just extraordinary. The connections you make with the astronauts and the space stations really make this come alive, not just for the adults, but for the kids as well.”

Kopernik CEO Drew Deskur said he is excited about what this funding will allow the observatory to accomplish.

“We are looking forward to expanding our reach and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers to find the next big breakthrough and do it here in New York,” Deskur said.

The $1 million has gone toward staffing, capital improvements and development.

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