Landolt Astronomical Observatory

The Landolt Astronomical Observatory sits on the roof of Nicholson Hall at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, home to a rare historic telescope still used for teaching and research today.

About Landolt Astronomical Observatory

The observatory is operated by LSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy and serves as a working facility for the university's astronomy program.

Telescopes & research

Its centrepiece is an 11.5-inch Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescope, one of the few large refractors of its type still in active use anywhere. Alvan Clark & Sons was a noted 19th-century American telescope maker, and instruments of this size and vintage are now rare survivors.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on LSU's campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, atop Nicholson Hall.

Visiting Landolt Astronomical Observatory

As a university teaching facility, public access is generally tied to LSU's astronomy program and any public events it hosts. Check the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy's website for current visiting information.

See your named star from here

With a working historic refractor on the roof, staff at the observatory can help you locate specific sky coordinates during a public event. If you've named a star through Star Register, bring your certificate's RA/Dec and check the catalogue to see exactly where it sits.