Leiden Observatory

Leiden Observatory, known in Dutch as Sterrewacht Leiden, is the astronomical institute of Leiden University in the Netherlands.

About Leiden Observatory

Established in 1633 to house the quadrant of Willebrord Snellius, Leiden Observatory is the oldest operating university observatory in the world - the only still-existing observatory that is older is the Vatican Observatory.

History

The observatory began on top of a university building in the centre of Leiden. In 1860, a new observatory building with a dome was constructed in the university's botanical garden, and it remained there until 1974, when the department moved to the science campus north-west of the city. Notable astronomers who worked or directed the observatory include Willem de Sitter, Ejnar Hertzsprung, and Jan Oort.

Location & getting there

Leiden Observatory is part of Leiden University, in the city of Leiden in the Netherlands, within easy reach of Amsterdam and The Hague.

Visiting Leiden Observatory

As a university department, Leiden Observatory is primarily a research and teaching institute; check Leiden University's website for public lectures, open days, or tour opportunities before travelling.

See your named star from here

Few institutions have watched the sky longer than Leiden Observatory, home to nearly four centuries of astronomers who mapped stars much like the one you can name today. Name a star of your own, or browse the catalogue to see stars already registered.