Vassar College Observatory

Finished in 1865 as the very first building on the Vassar College campus, this observatory in Poughkeepsie, New York carries deep historical significance for American astronomy.

About Vassar College Observatory

Vassar College Observatory is an astronomical observatory of the private Vassar College, located near the eastern edge of the Poughkeepsie campus. It predates even the college's Main Building and shares National Historic Landmark status with it.

History

Completed in 1865, the observatory's significance rests largely on its association with Maria Mitchell, the first widely known female astronomer in the United States, who worked here in the college's early years. The building underwent a major restoration and renovation in 2008.

Telescopes & research

The original observatory is no longer used for astronomical research; Vassar has since built a new observatory on a hill near the edge of campus for that purpose. The historic 1865 building now houses the college's education department offices and classrooms.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits near the eastern edge of the Vassar College campus in Poughkeepsie, New York, in the lower Hudson Valley of the north-eastern United States.

Visiting Vassar College Observatory

As a National Historic Landmark and part of an active college campus, the building may be viewable as part of campus visits; check with Vassar College directly for current access details, especially given its office use.

See your named star from here

In a place with such a strong observational legacy, tracing the coordinates of a named star from the wider Hudson Valley feels especially fitting. Name a star or browse the star catalogue.