Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is part of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, home to the largest telescope in the state.

About Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Standing 50 feet tall on Butler University's campus at 4600 Sunset Avenue, Holcomb Observatory houses a 38-inch reflecting telescope installed in October 1954, still the largest in Indiana. Mounted piggyback on the main instrument is a smaller 6-inch telescope dating to 1888, linking the modern facility to the university's older astronomical history.

History

The observatory opened in 1954, funded with an initial $325,000 gift from James Irving Holcomb and his wife. It has been upgraded repeatedly since, with $425,000 spent on new optics and operations in 2015, planetarium renovations in 2018 and 2022, a new 50-seat classroom added in 2022, and a Digitarium Lambda fulldome projector installed in late 2022.

Telescopes & research

The 38-inch reflector remains Holcomb's flagship instrument for public and student observing, paired with the historic 6-inch 1888 telescope and, in the planetarium, the modern Digitarium Lambda projection system for fulldome shows.

Location & getting there

Holcomb Observatory sits on Butler University's campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, easily reached within the city and served by the university's own visitor facilities.

Visiting Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Butler University runs public observing nights and planetarium shows at Holcomb; check the observatory's official website for the current schedule and ticketing before visiting.

See your named star from here

Indiana's largest telescope is well equipped to track down a named star at its recorded coordinates; look up your star in our catalogue ahead of a public observing night at Holcomb.