Vicksburg observatory

Vicksburg Observatory refers to a historic observation tower that once stood at Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, United States, rather than an active astronomical facility.

About Vicksburg Observatory

Photographed around 1909, the concrete and steel tower was one of three observation towers built within the park to give visitors sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and Civil War battlefield sites, including areas near Confederate Avenue and Fort Nogales. A separate weather observatory also once stood on the roof of the Mississippi River Commission Building in downtown Vicksburg.

History

The military park's observation tower was eventually demolished due to deterioration and safety concerns, and no astronomical observatory currently operates under this name in Vicksburg.

Location & getting there

Vicksburg sits on the Mississippi River in western Mississippi, United States, and remains home to Vicksburg National Military Park, though the historic tower itself is no longer standing.

Visiting Vicksburg Observatory

Since the original structure has been demolished, there is nothing to visit under this name today; visitors interested in the area's history can instead explore Vicksburg National Military Park itself.

See your named star from here

Even where a historic observatory no longer stands, the night sky above Vicksburg is still there to look up at. Name a star and get its exact coordinates to find with any telescope, or browse the catalogue of named stars.