Stephens Observatory

Above the Carnegie Science Building at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Stephens Observatory has been introducing students to the night sky since the 1920s.

About Stephens Observatory

Stephens Observatory sits atop the Carnegie Science Building on the Bates College campus. It is used mainly as a teaching facility for the college's upper-level astronomy classes rather than for professional research.

History

The observatory's 12-inch (30-centimetre) Newtonian reflecting telescope was built by Roscoe G. Stephens of Kennebunk, Maine, and donated to Bates College in 1929, giving the observatory its name.

Telescopes & research

The Stephens telescope has since been fitted with a modern tracking system and electronic drive mechanism, keeping the historic instrument usable for current students working through advanced astronomy coursework.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Lewiston, Maine, on the campus of Bates College, making it easy to find alongside the college's other science buildings.

Visiting Stephens Observatory

As a campus teaching facility, access is generally tied to Bates College courses and events rather than regular public opening hours; anyone hoping to visit should check with the college's astronomy department or website before travelling.

See your named star from here

A telescope like the one at Stephens Observatory works from coordinates, which is exactly what comes with a star named through Star Register — its right ascension and declination can be looked up and pointed at from Lewiston or anywhere else with a clear view of the sky. Search the star catalogue for yours.