Otter Creek Observatory

Otter Creek Observatory is a public astronomical observatory tucked into the Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area in Meade County, Kentucky, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Louisville along the Ohio River.

About Otter Creek Observatory

The observatory is one of two units that make up the Otter Creek–South Harrison Observatories, a small system built for public stargazing and astronomy education in the Louisville region.

History

Otter Creek Observatory was founded in 1995 by the city of Louisville as a public observatory. Since 2000 it has been operated by Jefferson Community and Technical College, which owns most of the instruments on site while the surrounding park land belongs to the recreation area. A companion facility, the second unit of the Otter Creek–South Harrison system, opened across the river in Indiana in 2009.

Telescopes & research

Since 2006 the observatory's programme has focused on historical astronomy, alongside its core role in public outreach and hands-on teaching for Jefferson Community and Technical College students and visitors.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits within the Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, a wooded riverside park along the Ohio River in North America's Kentucky borderlands, a short drive from Louisville.

Visiting Otter Creek Observatory

Otter Creek Observatory is open to the public for organised viewing sessions run by Jefferson Community and Technical College. Check the college's observatory page or call ahead before travelling, since sessions depend on weather and staffing.

See your named star from here

Because any set of sky coordinates can be pointed to from a telescope, staff and visiting astronomers at Otter Creek Observatory can help you find the exact spot of a star named through Star Register. Name a star of your own, then look it up any time in our catalogue.