Collins Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Named for astronaut Eileen Collins, this observatory on the campus of Corning Community College in Corning, New York, combines classroom teaching with public stargazing nights.
About Eileen M. Collins Observatory
The observatory is operated by Corning Community College and is used primarily to teach astronomy classes, while also opening its doors to the community for monthly viewing sessions.
Telescopes & research
Its reflecting telescopes range from 4 inches to 20 inches in diameter. The largest is a one-tenth scale model of the famous Hale Telescope at Mount Palomar, while several of the smaller instruments were assembled by the Elmira-Corning Astronomical Society. The observatory also maintains an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a dedicated solar telescope.
Location & getting there
It is located in Corning, in the Southern Tier of New York State, United States.
Visiting Eileen M. Collins Observatory
The college hosts monthly public viewing sessions; check the Corning Community College observatory page for the current schedule before visiting.
See your named star from here
With telescopes ranging up to 20 inches, the Eileen M. Collins Observatory is well equipped to find precise coordinates in the night sky. If you've named a star, look up its exact right ascension and declination in our star catalogue before your next visit.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
