Squirrel Valley Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Squirrel Valley Observatory is a research-focused observatory near Columbus, North Carolina, established around 2016.
About Squirrel Valley Observatory
Operated by Randy L. Flynn and holding the Minor Planet Center code W34, the observatory has built a strong record in citizen astronomy despite its modest size. It was awarded the Planetary Society's Shoemaker NEO Grant in 2019, supporting its work on near-Earth asteroids, and was admitted as a signatory member of the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) in 2021.
Telescopes & research
The observatory's programme spans astrophotography, asteroid astrometry, supernova detection, and exoplanet research. A phase-two expansion adding a new domed observatory building was completed in December 2025, expanding its observing capacity.
Location & getting there
Squirrel Valley Observatory sits near Columbus, in the foothills of western North Carolina, an area that offers reasonably dark skies away from major East Coast cities.
Visiting Squirrel Valley Observatory
As a working research site, Squirrel Valley Observatory is unlikely to offer regular public tours; anyone interested in visiting or following its observing programme should check its official website for current information before travelling.
See your named star from here
An observatory that hunts near-Earth asteroids and exoplanets works from precise coordinates every night, exactly what defines a star named through Star Register. Explore our star packages or browse the catalogue of named stars.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
