Weston Observatory

Weston Observatory is a granite tower on Oak Hill, the highest point in Manchester, New Hampshire's Derryfield Park, built in 1897 as a lookout rather than a scientific facility.

About Weston Observatory

Despite its name, Weston Observatory is a historic folly, a purely ornamental granite tower, rather than a working astronomical observatory. It stands on Oak Hill, the high point of Derryfield Park, and has long been a recognisable Manchester landmark.

History

The tower was built in 1897 and given to the city by James A. Weston, a Manchester native who served two terms as governor of New Hampshire. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 in recognition of its history and architecture.

Location & getting there

The tower sits atop Oak Hill in Derryfield Park, Manchester's highest point, giving visitors sweeping views over the surrounding city and countryside.

Visiting Weston Observatory

As a public park landmark, the tower is generally accessible whenever Derryfield Park is open, though we don't have confirmed hours for the tower itself, so it's worth checking with the City of Manchester before a special trip.

See your named star from here

Weston Observatory won't put a telescope in your hands, but its hilltop position over Derryfield Park makes it a genuinely dark, elevated spot to look up on a clear night. If you've named a star through Star Register, bring its coordinates from your certificate and a stargazing app to help you find it from here, or browse other named stars in our catalogue.