Earlham College Observatory

Earlham College Observatory is a historic astronomical building on the campus of Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, USA, still standing more than 160 years after it was built.

About Earlham College Observatory

Operated by Earlham College, the observatory is a one-story brick building with a hipped roof, centred on a 19-foot-square section topped by a copper dome with a removable panel for observing, and flanked by two smaller wings. Beneath the dome sits a 6.5-inch objective lens telescope.

History

The observatory was built in 1861, making it one of the older purpose-built astronomical buildings still in use on a US college campus. Its architectural and historical significance was formally recognised in 1975, when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location & getting there

The observatory is in Richmond, Indiana, in the North America region, on the Earlham College campus. Its compact, historic footprint makes it an easy stop for visitors already exploring the campus.

Visiting Earlham College Observatory

As a campus building, access is generally tied to Earlham College's own schedule and events. Check the college's website or contact its physics department directly before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

The 6.5-inch telescope beneath Earlham's copper dome has been pointed at the night sky for over a century and a half. If you've named a star through Star Register, its coordinates can be used with a telescope like this one to find it. Start with our star-naming packages or look up an existing name in the catalogue.