Mishima observatory

Mishima observatory — known locally as Gekko Observatory — sits in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and built its reputation on one of the most productive asteroid-hunting programmes run from a private observatory anywhere in the world.

About Mishima observatory

Gekko Observatory (Gekko Tenmondai) is owned by the International Foundation for Cultural Harmony and has operated as a dedicated asteroid-survey site in the Mishima area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

History

The observatory was founded in 1957. Between 1987 and 2000, astronomers Yoshiaki Oshima and Tetsuo Kagawa working there discovered 172 minor planets, a total that ranked the observatory 40th in the world for asteroid discoveries as of 2000.

Telescopes & research

Its long-running asteroid-survey programme is what the observatory is best known for, with Oshima and Kagawa's discoveries placing Gekko Observatory among a small group of private facilities with a genuine track record in minor-planet detection.

Location & getting there

The observatory is in the Mishima area of Shizuoka Prefecture, on Japan's main island of Honshu. Use the map and directions on this page to plan a visit.

Visiting Mishima observatory

As a privately owned research site, Mishima observatory doesn't publish standard public visiting hours; check with the operator before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

An observatory with a real record of hunting down faint, moving objects is exactly the kind of place that could turn a telescope toward the coordinates of a star you've named. Name a star with Star Register, or browse the catalogue to see its position first.