Northern Arizona University observatory

The Northern Arizona University observatory sits in Flagstaff, Arizona, a city famous for its astronomical heritage, and combines public outreach with student and research use.

About Northern Arizona University observatory

The university runs a 20-inch Atmospheric Research Observatory telescope with computer control, used for public viewing nights, alongside the Barry Lutz Telescope (BLT), dedicated to public astronomy on Friday evenings.

Telescopes & research

Beyond its own instruments, Northern Arizona University maintains a formal partnership with the 4.3-metre Discovery Channel Telescope, located about 40 miles southeast in Happy Jack, and manages the National Undergraduate Research Observatory (NURO) for a consortium of colleges.

Location & getting there

Flagstaff sits at altitude in northern Arizona, a region long prized by astronomers for its dark, dry skies, making the university's campus observatory a convenient stop for visitors already drawn to the area's astronomy scene.

Visiting Northern Arizona University observatory

Free public telescope viewings are held Friday nights from 7:30 to 10pm, weather permitting, through the Barry Lutz Telescope programme.

See your named star from here

With telescopes used regularly for public and student viewing, the observatory's staff can point at the coordinates of any star, including one you have named with Star Register. Check the star catalogue for your star's exact position before a visit.