Glen D. Riley Observatory

Glen D. Riley Observatory sits in Naperville, Illinois, where it has hosted amateur astronomers and curious visitors since the early 1970s. Owned and operated by the Naperville Astronomical Association, it remains a hub for local stargazing and public outreach.

About Glen D. Riley Observatory

The observatory is run by the Naperville Astronomical Association and forms one half of the association's Astronomy Education Center, working alongside the partner DuPage Valley Observatory. Together the two sites serve both the association's members and the wider public through regular outreach programmes.

History

Glen D. Riley Observatory was founded in 1973 and has operated continuously since, growing from a members' facility into a recognised community astronomy resource in the Naperville area.

Telescopes & research

Its partner facility, DuPage Valley Observatory, is equipped with a custom 12.5-inch astrograph used for video imaging, extending the pair's capabilities beyond visual observing into imaging work that supports both education and outreach.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Naperville, Illinois, in the North America region, easily reached from the Chicago metropolitan area.

Visiting Glen D. Riley Observatory

The facility is used for public outreach events run by the Naperville Astronomical Association. Check the association's current schedule before visiting, as access is generally tied to organised events and meetings.

See your named star from here

An observatory built for public outreach is an ideal place to seek out a star of your own. If you've named a star with Star Register, the certificate gives its exact coordinates so observatory staff or members can help locate it. Explore the star catalogue to find yours.