Calvin College Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Calvin College Observatory sits atop the Science Building at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has welcomed public visitors since 2004.
About Calvin College Observatory
The observatory is run by Calvin University for students ranging from introductory astronomy classes to advanced physics majors. It is part of a joint setup that pairs the roof-top facility in Grand Rapids with a second, robotically operated telescope in Rehoboth, New Mexico, allowing remote observations under darker skies.
History
The joint observatory arrangement has been operational since 2004, with the New Mexico telescope run by remote control from the Michigan campus.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located at 3201 Burton St. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, within the North America region, on the roof of the university's Science Building.
Visiting Calvin College Observatory
The observatory is open to the public on clear Wednesday evenings year-round, except in late December, with no admission fee. Director Larry Molnar can be contacted at 616-526-6341 for details, and checking the Calvin University observatory page before visiting is recommended, since sessions depend on clear skies.
See your named star from here
With a working telescope open to the public most clear Wednesdays, Calvin College Observatory is a genuine option for pointing toward the coordinates of a star you've named. Browse our star-naming packages or the star catalogue to name your own.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
