Lee Observatory

Lee Observatory stands on the campus of the American University of Beirut, overlooking the Mediterranean coast in Beirut, Lebanon.

About Lee Observatory

Opened in 1873, Lee Observatory is recognised as the first and oldest observatory in the modern Middle East. It sits at an elevation of around 35 metres, within the AUB campus grounds close to the sea.

History

More than a century and a half after it opened, Lee Observatory remains part of the university's academic life, though today its role is primarily educational rather than an active research programme.

Location & getting there

The observatory is set on the AUB campus in Beirut, Lebanon, at low elevation close to the Mediterranean shoreline, within easy reach of the city centre.

Visiting Lee Observatory

As a university facility with an academic role, Lee Observatory is best visited as part of a campus tour; check AUB's own visitor information or contact the university directly before your trip.

See your named star from here

Because it retains an active academic role, Lee Observatory is a fitting place to think about your own patch of night sky. A named star's coordinates can be pointed to from almost any working telescope, campus ones included - ask ahead if you'd like to try. Name a star or explore the catalogue of stars already named through Star Register.