Menke Observatory

Menke Observatory occupies a quiet riverside spot northwest of Dixon, Iowa, run by St. Ambrose University for its students and the surrounding community.

About Menke Observatory

Menke Observatory is owned and operated by St. Ambrose University. It is named after Monsignor Sebastian Menke, a former president of the university, and moved to its current location on the southern bank of the Wapsipinicon River in 1994.

History

The observatory's move to its present riverside site in 1994 gave it a darker, more rural setting away from town lighting, better suited to observing.

Location & getting there

Menke Observatory sits northwest of Dixon, Iowa, on the southern bank of the Wapsipinicon River — a rural setting that offers noticeably darker skies than nearby towns.

Visiting Menke Observatory

St. Ambrose University's astronomy programme manages access to the observatory. Checking the university's observatory page ahead of time is the best way to confirm any public viewing opportunities.

See your named star from here

From its dark riverside setting, Menke Observatory's telescope can be aimed at the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Look up your star in the catalogue before your visit so you know exactly where to find it.