Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) is a Columbia University research institution on its own campus in Palisades, New York, just north of Manhattan, dedicated to Earth system science rather than astronomical observing.

About Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

LDEO studies the Earth as a system, including its oceans, atmosphere, and solid earth, and is one of the world's leading centres for geoscience research. It is operated by Columbia University.

History

Founded in 1949, the observatory became one of the key research centres that helped develop the theory of plate tectonics, alongside many other advances in Earth science over the following decades.

Location & getting there

The campus sits in Palisades, New York, along the Hudson River north of Manhattan, within reach of New York City for visitors.

Visiting Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

LDEO is primarily a research campus rather than a public stargazing site. Check the observatory's official website for any public lectures, open houses, or tour information before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

LDEO's focus is Earth science rather than telescope-based astronomy, so it isn't set up for public star viewing. But the Hudson Valley around Palisades still offers clear-sky nights for stargazing - if you've named a star through Star Register, you can look up its coordinates in our catalogue and find it with a home telescope or stargazing app wherever you are.