Martin S. Kraar observatory

The Martin S. Kraar Observatory sits atop the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, combining research astronomy with public science education.

About the Martin S. Kraar Observatory

The observatory is mounted on the service tower of the Koffler Accelerator building at the Weizmann Institute. It was inaugurated in March 2011 and named after Martin S. Kraar, who served as Executive Vice President of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute from 1998 to 2008. Its mission combines scientific research with education and public outreach.

History

Soon after opening, the observatory demonstrated its research capability: in May 2011, it captured images of a Type IIb supernova in the galaxy M51.

Telescopes & research

The primary instrument is a Meade 16-inch (41 cm) LX200 ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, which can be operated remotely over the Internet - allowing researchers and students to run observations without being physically present at the dome.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Rehovot, in Israel's Central District, on the Weizmann Institute of Science campus. Use the map on this page for exact coordinates and directions.

Visiting the Martin S. Kraar Observatory

As a research and teaching facility on an active academic campus, check the Weizmann Institute's official channels for any public open evenings or visit arrangements before you go.

See your named star from here

A 16-inch remotely operated telescope like the one at the Kraar Observatory is well suited to locating a single point in the sky from its coordinates. The right ascension and declination on a Star Register certificate mark exactly that kind of fixed point. Name a star or browse the catalogue to find yours.