Frances E. Barnard Memorial Observatory

The Frances E. Barnard Memorial Observatory sits on the upper slope of La Sierra University's campus in Riverside, California, at the base of Mount Two-Bit.

About Frances E. Barnard Memorial Observatory

The white-domed observatory is named for Frances Evelyn Barnard, whose son, Marion Cecil Barnard, donated the funds to build it and purchase its telescopes. La Sierra University itself was founded in 1922 and became an independent institution in 1990.

History

The observatory has been shuttered for around ten years, and the university is now working to restore it. More than $165,000 has been raised for critical updates, including $44,000 raised by the Sciences Advisory Board, with the goal of reopening the dome for STEM education, hands-on learning and public outreach.

Location & getting there

The observatory is on La Sierra University's campus in Riverside, California, on the upper slope near Mount Two-Bit, in the North America region.

Visiting Frances E. Barnard Memorial Observatory

The observatory is currently closed while renovation work continues. Once reopened, it is intended to welcome students and the public for STEM education and stargazing; check La Sierra University for updates on the timeline.

See your named star from here

When the dome reopens, its telescopes will once again be able to point at real coordinates in the sky, including those of a named star from Star Register. Name a star or look up its position in the star catalogue in the meantime.