Fitz-Randolph Observatory

Fitz-Randolph Observatory served Princeton University in New Jersey for decades before its site was redeveloped in recent years.

About Fitz-Randolph Observatory

Built in 1932 and opened in 1934, Fitz-Randolph Observatory replaced Princeton's earlier Halsted Observatory. It originally housed a 36-inch Cassegrain reflector, and a new 36-inch reflecting telescope was installed in 1966.

History

The observatory has an unusual claim to fame: it appeared in Orson Welles' 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast, as the workplace of the fictional character Professor Richard Pierson. Demolition of the structure began around 2020 to make way for a new soccer stadium; Princeton University documented the building and salvaged its stones for reuse.

Location & getting there

Fitz-Randolph Observatory was located on the Princeton University campus in New Jersey, United States, within the North America region on Star Register.

Visiting Fitz-Randolph Observatory

Because the observatory building has been demolished, it is no longer open for visits in its original form. Its history remains documented by Princeton University.

See your named star from here

Even though the original building is gone, its legacy of pointing telescopes at the sky continues. A star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates for use at any working observatory today. Name a star or browse the star catalogue.