Jack C. Davis Observatory

Jack C. Davis Observatory sits on the campus of Western Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada, a public astronomy facility that first opened its dome to the sky on 15 May 2003.

About Jack C. Davis Observatory

The observatory is named after Jack C. Davis, the founding president of Western Nevada College. It houses three telescopes: two 0.4-metre (16-inch) reflectors and one 0.25-metre (9.8-inch) reflector, with one of the instruments equipped with a spectrograph for spectroscopic study. Outside the main building, a 0.12-metre (4.7-inch) refractor is mounted under a robotic dome dedicated to studying sunspots.

Telescopes & research

All of the observatory's telescopes carry cameras and are connected to the internet, allowing groups to view live images remotely. A Campbell Scientific research-grade, solar-powered weather station on site collects data that is sent to the Desert Research Institute in Reno for analysis and online publication.

Location & getting there

The observatory is reached via the Planetary Walkway, which connects it to the main Western Nevada College campus. The path is lined with sandstone monuments carved by inmate artists from the Nevada State Prison's old quarry, each depicting a planet with accompanying information.

Visiting Jack C. Davis Observatory

The observatory is used for public outreach as well as teaching, and the Western Nevada Astronomical Society, an observing group affiliated with the college, supports education and social events there. Check the observatory's official website for current public viewing nights and opening hours before visiting.

See your named star from here

With three working telescopes and a tradition of public stargazing, Jack C. Davis Observatory is well placed to help you find a star named in your honour. After you name a star with Star Register, its exact coordinates can be shared with the observatory's staff, or you can browse the star catalogue to explore the sky yourself.