For all of you star gazers, workers are putting the finishing touches on the new dome of the Northmoor Observatory.

After last week's removal of the 55-year-old sliding dome that was operated mostly by manual chains, the construction of a new electric powered dome is almost complete.
Grants and donations paid for most of the 75 thousand dollar dome.

"There have been many people involved in the funding of the dome. Caterpillar has been involves in it. We've had participation also from local companies. NE Finch was one of them. Intec Service another, we've had three labor unions, The Masons, The Ironworkers, and the Steam Fitters have all contributed people and apprentices and so forth to help with the construction of the dome", said Peoria Astronomical Society member, Terry Beachler.

The almost 100-year-old, 12-foot telescope housed in the observatory is also getting a facelift before returning to the observatory. Terry Beachler says the renovation has come at a good time, as this is the International Year of Astronomy. The 400th anniversary since Galileo looked through a telescope.