Herrett Observatory

At the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, the Centennial Observatory at the Herrett Center for Arts and Science, known as Herrett Observatory, has been welcoming public stargazers since it opened on 22 May 2004.

About Herrett Observatory

The observatory takes its full name from both the Herrett Center that houses it and the centennial anniversaries it marks: 2004 was the 100th anniversary of Norman Herrett's birth in 1904 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Twin Falls.

Telescopes & research

Its main instrument is the 24-inch (0.6 metre) Norman Herrett Telescope, one of the largest public telescopes of its kind, and the observatory is notable for being one of the world's largest fully wheelchair-accessible public observatories, with accessible elevators leading up to the observing deck.

Location & getting there

Herrett Observatory sits on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, in the southern part of the state.

Visiting Herrett Observatory

The observatory holds free public star parties on the second Saturday of every month, year-round and weather permitting, starting around an hour after sunset and running until about 9 p.m.

See your named star from here

A telescope this large, and this accessible, is an ideal place to try and spot your own named star. Look up its coordinates in our star catalogue and bring them along to one of Herrett Observatory's monthly star parties.