Observatory of the State University of Missouri
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Laws Observatory sits on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri, United States, where it has offered public views of the night sky since 1880. It holds the distinction of being the first observatory established west of the Mississippi River.
About Laws Observatory
The observatory is named after Samuel Laws, a former president of the University of Missouri. Its original facility was constructed in 1853, and formal observatory operations began in 1880; three separate observatory buildings have operated on or near the site since. Today the facility includes an astronomy exhibit featuring NASA memorabilia alongside its working telescopes.
Telescopes & research
The current primary instrument is a 16-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, supported by smaller telescopes and a computer room used by students. The observatory serves physics and astronomy student research at the university in addition to its public program.
Location & getting there
Laws Observatory is on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, in the state of Missouri — an easily accessible campus location rather than a remote dark-sky site.
Visiting Laws Observatory
Public viewing nights are held Wednesday evenings from 8 to 10pm, weather permitting, except on holidays. Check the university physics department page for the current schedule before visiting.
See your named star from here
On a clear Wednesday night at Laws Observatory, the telescope can be pointed at any set of celestial coordinates — including those of a star named through Star Register. Name a star for someone, or look through the catalogue of stars already named.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
