IL SR0409

Illinois Senate resolution mourning the death of Charles Arthur Schweighauser of Pleasant Plains, who passed away on July 14, 2025

Schweighauser served as founding director of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis and taught astronomy at Washington University, St. Louis University, and the University of Missouri at St. Louis

Joined Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) faculty in 1973, founded the university's Astronomy program in 1975, achieved full professor in 1980, and became professor emeritus in 2002

Founded the UIS Star Parties tradition in 1977, helped establish the UIS Barber Research Observatory, and developed the first telescope in the world dedicated for use by people with physical disabilities

Published author of seven books and monographs, produced four documentaries, and served on boards including the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and National Undergraduate Research Observatory