McKim Observatory

McKim Observatory in Greencastle, Indiana was the first observatory built in the state, and it still stands on the campus of DePauw University more than a century later.

About McKim Observatory

The observatory is owned and operated by DePauw University and is named for Robert McKim, who donated $8,000 toward its construction along with astronomical equipment worth a further $10,000 — a gift given on the condition that DePauw's name be changed as part of the arrangement.

History

McKim Observatory was built in 1884, making it Indiana's first observatory, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It retains much of its original equipment, having seen only minimal modernisation over the decades.

Telescopes & research

At the heart of the dome is the 1885 Clark Refractor, a telescope with a 9.53-inch objective lens and a 12-foot focal length — a fine example of the classic American refractors built by Alvan Clark & Sons in the nineteenth century.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on DePauw University's campus in Greencastle, Indiana, a small college town in the west-central part of the state.

Visiting McKim Observatory

As a historic university facility, opening hours vary with the academic calendar and public astronomy events. Check DePauw University's website or contact the campus before visiting to confirm current access.

See your named star from here

The historic Clark Refractor can still be aimed at any point in the sky, meaning a named star's coordinates from the star catalogue could be found through this century-old instrument during a public viewing session.