Miller Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Miller Observatory, formally the Lucile Miller Observatory, sits on the campus of Maiden Middle School in Maiden, North Carolina, where a local astronomy club opens its doors to the public once a month.
About Miller Observatory
Officially named the Lucile Miller Observatory, the facility is owned by Catawba County Schools and operated by the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club. It stands on the campus of Maiden Middle School, on the site of the former Maiden High School, in Maiden, North Carolina.
Location & getting there
The observatory is about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte and roughly 10 miles south of Hickory, North Carolina, making it a manageable drive from either city.
Visiting Miller Observatory
The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club runs free public observing nights on the first Friday of every month, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, with no reservations needed.
See your named star from here
Club members at Miller Observatory regularly point their telescopes at requested targets during public nights, which makes it a natural place to bring the coordinates from a named star certificate. If you've named a star with Star Register, a first-Friday visit is worth planning around.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.