Pacific Lutheran University Keck Observatory

The W.M. Keck Observatory at Pacific Lutheran University sits on campus in Parkland, Washington, giving students and visitors alike a chance to look through a serious research-grade telescope.

About Pacific Lutheran University Keck Observatory

Located at 12180 Park Ave S in Parkland, the observatory was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation and achieved first light in 2000. It supports Pacific Lutheran University's undergraduate research and introductory astronomy program, and is also open to the public for tours.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope made by Meade Instruments, equipped with a Santa Barbara Instruments Group CCD camera and a Celestron NexImage Planetary Imager for capturing detailed images of celestial objects.

Location & getting there

The observatory is on the Pacific Lutheran University campus in Parkland, Washington, part of the North America region on Star Register's map, a short drive south of Tacoma.

Visiting Pacific Lutheran University Keck Observatory

The observatory is open to the public for tours; check Pacific Lutheran University's physics department page for current dates and any public viewing nights before visiting.

See your named star from here

A named star's coordinates are exactly what a telescope needs to find it, and a 16-inch instrument like the one at PLU is well suited to the task. Name a star today, or browse the catalogue of stars already named through Star Register.