Modine-Benstead Observatory

Tucked into the rural landscape of Union Grove, Wisconsin, the Modine-Benstead Observatory has welcomed stargazers to look through real telescope eyepieces since the 1960s. Run entirely by volunteers, it remains one of the Midwest's most approachable public observatories.

About Modine-Benstead Observatory

The observatory is owned and operated by the Racine Astronomical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Two separate domed buildings house its instruments, and the site is maintained through the donations of the visitors who come to observe.

History

Modine-Benstead Observatory opened in 1963 and has been running public viewing nights ever since, making it one of the longer-serving community observatories in the region.

Telescopes & research

The two domes hold a 16-inch Newtonian Cassegrain reflector and a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector. Unlike many modern facilities that display images on a screen, Modine-Benstead lets visitors look directly through the eyepiece - a rare and memorable way to see the night sky first-hand.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in Union Grove, in southeastern Wisconsin, within reach of Racine and Milwaukee. Its rural setting keeps the surrounding skies dark enough for productive amateur observing.

Visiting Modine-Benstead Observatory

Public viewing nights are held monthly during the summer, with additional events for Racine Astronomical Society members throughout the year. Because sessions depend on weather and season, check the observatory's official website before planning a visit - or see our observatories directory for more stargazing venues nearby.

See your named star from here

If you've named a star through Star Register, an observatory like this is an ideal place to actually try to see it: staff can point a telescope at the exact right ascension and declination on your certificate. Explore our star-naming packages or browse the catalogue to find a star you could visit here.