Thomas More College Observatory

On the campus of Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, the Thomas More College Observatory gives students and the local community a working window onto the night sky.

About Thomas More College Observatory

Built in 2002 with a retractable-roof design, the observatory was created to support the university's physics program and to bring astronomy to the surrounding community.

History

The facility was made possible through an NSF grant along with donations from BB&T, the Renaker Foundation, and university alumni and friends, reflecting a broad base of local support for astronomy education in the region.

Telescopes & research

The observatory houses four Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes on a dedicated piers system, the largest and newest being a 14-inch aperture instrument. All are computer-controlled and paired with CCD digital imaging systems and dedicated computers, supporting both physics research and public viewing sessions.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located on the Thomas More University campus in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, in the United States.

Visiting Thomas More College Observatory

As a university facility, public access is generally tied to campus events and outreach programs; check with Thomas More University directly for current visiting arrangements before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

With computer-controlled telescopes able to be pointed at precise coordinates, a facility like this can locate any named star in the sky. Name a star of your own, or browse the star catalogue to pick one first.