University of North Dakota observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Just outside Grand Forks, near Emerado, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota operates a working astronomical observatory used for both research and graduate training.
About University of North Dakota observatory
The university's Department of Space Studies runs its Space Studies Observatory, built in 1996 and renovated in 2005, while the Physics & Astrophysics department operates the separate Martens Observatory.
Telescopes & research
The Space Studies Observatory houses two 40 cm Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes fitted with PL16803 and Alta Apogee cameras, alongside a 10-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain. The Martens Observatory (Martens-Kraus) contributes a 20-inch Planewave telescope. Together they support broadband photometric research on asteroids, variable stars and exoplanets, as well as stellar spectroscopy and master's student research projects.
Location & getting there
The main observing site lies near Emerado, a short drive from the university's Grand Forks campus in eastern North Dakota.
Visiting University of North Dakota observatory
Access is generally tied to university courses and research; check with the Department of Space Studies or Physics & Astrophysics department before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
Once you've named a star with Star Register, an observatory like this one can point a telescope at its exact coordinates. Search our catalogue to find your star's position first.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.