Lamont–Hussey Observatory

Lamont-Hussey Observatory was a University of Michigan astronomical facility in Bloemfontein, in South Africa's Free State province, active for over four decades before its closure.

About Lamont-Hussey Observatory

The observatory was owned and operated by the University of Michigan (UM), one of several observatories the university has run over the years, alongside the Detroit Observatory, the Angell Hall Observatory, the McMath-Hulbert Observatory, the Portage Lake Observatory, and the Peach Mountain Observatory in Michigan.

History

Construction began in 1927, and the observatory operated in Bloemfontein until it was closed in 1972.

Location & getting there

Bloemfontein sits in South Africa's Free State province, on the country's high central plateau.

Visiting Lamont-Hussey Observatory

As the observatory closed in 1972, we don't have confirmed current public access or tour information. Check locally in Bloemfontein for the latest status of the site before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Bloemfontein's plateau location, at over a thousand metres above sea level, offers good conditions for stargazing generally. If you've named a star through Star Register, use the catalogue to look up its coordinates before a clear night out.