Weston Observatory

Weston Observatory is a geophysical research laboratory in Weston, Massachusetts, run by Boston College's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences since 1948.

About Weston Observatory

Weston Observatory is Boston College's geophysical research laboratory, focused on earthquakes rather than the night sky. It has recorded seismic activity since the 1930s and operates as part of the university's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

History

The observatory was founded in 1948, building on earthquake-recording work at the site that had already been underway since the 1930s.

Telescopes & research

Rather than telescopes, Weston Observatory houses seismic instruments for the New England Seismic Network (NESN) and the World-Wide Standardized Seismograph Network (WWSSN). Researchers here monitor earthquakes worldwide, with particular emphasis on the Northeast United States and New England, and the observatory shares public information after significant seismic events alongside its educational and outreach work.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in the town of Weston, Massachusetts, about 13 miles (21 km) west of downtown Boston.

Visiting Weston Observatory

As a research facility rather than a public stargazing site, Weston Observatory is best known for its earthquake monitoring and educational outreach programs. Contact Boston College's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences for current visiting or outreach opportunities.

See your named star from here

Weston Observatory's expertise lies underground rather than in the stars, so it isn't set up for stargazing visits. If you've named a star through Star Register, you'll get better views at a dedicated astronomical observatory, though you're welcome to explore your star's coordinates and other named stars in our catalogue or through our star naming packages wherever you are.