Laws Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
In Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri has operated an observatory under the Laws name since 1880, one of the longest-running university astronomy facilities in the United States.
About Laws Observatory
Laws Observatory is actually the name shared by three separate astronomical observatories, all owned and operated by the University of Missouri. The name honours Samuel Laws, a former president of the university.
History
The University of Missouri has operated observatories under the Laws name continuously since 1880.
Location & getting there
Laws Observatory is located on or near the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri, in the American Midwest.
Visiting Laws Observatory
The university's astronomy programme (cmaa.missouri.edu) is the best source for current public viewing nights and visitor information before planning a trip.
See your named star from here
A university observatory with over a century of history is a fitting place to think about your own place in the night sky. When you name a star with Star Register, you'll get precise coordinates to locate it with a telescope or stargazing app from Columbia or anywhere else. Explore our star-naming packages or browse the star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
