O'Brien Observatory

O'Brien Observatory is an astronomical facility in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, about 35 km (22 miles) northeast of Minneapolis, owned and operated by the University of Minnesota.

About O'Brien Observatory

Known by the initials OBO, the observatory has served the university's astronomy programme since it opened, combining teaching, instrument testing and occasional research use.

History

The observatory opened in 1968 under astronomer Edward Ney, and was among the first observatories built with infrared observation specifically in mind.

Telescopes & research

Its single telescope is a 0.76-metre (30-inch) Cassegrain reflector capable of observing at both optical and infrared wavelengths. It is used primarily for instructing students and testing instruments, with occasional use for research observations.

Location & getting there

The site is in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, roughly 35 km northeast of Minneapolis, within reach of the Twin Cities for a day visit.

Visiting O'Brien Observatory

As a University of Minnesota teaching facility, access is typically tied to university programmes and events. Check with the university's astronomy department for current public visiting opportunities before travelling.

See your named star from here

A 30-inch reflector built for both optical and infrared work is exactly the kind of instrument that can be pointed at precise coordinates. If you've named a star through Star Register, find those coordinates in our star catalogue and see where it sits in Minnesota's night sky.