WestRock Observatory

WestRock Observatory sits at 701 Front Avenue in Columbus, Georgia, where Columbus State University's Coca-Cola Space Science Center runs one of the region's more active public observing programs.

About WestRock Observatory

WestRock Observatory is operated by Columbus State University's Coca-Cola Space Science Center. It was formerly known as Mead Observatory and carries the Minor Planet Center observatory code W22, reflecting its use for genuine astronomical observation work.

History

The observatory was established in 1996 under its original name, Mead Observatory, before later being renamed WestRock Observatory.

Telescopes & research

Its main instrument is a PlaneWave CDK 24-inch Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph, paired with an Apogee Alta F16 CCD camera and both narrowband and broadband filters for imaging. A Meade 16-inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a fleet of portable telescopes round out the equipment used for public and educational sessions.

Location & getting there

The observatory is based at 701 Front Avenue in Columbus, Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River in the western part of the state, close to the Alabama border.

Visiting WestRock Observatory

The Coca-Cola Space Science Center runs roughly 25 nights of free public observing at WestRock Observatory each year, alongside CCD imaging sessions. It also takes mobile astronomy programs out to Callaway Gardens, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, and Providence Canyon State Park for those who can't make it to Columbus.

See your named star from here

With a 24-inch astrograph and a full fleet of portable telescopes, the team at WestRock Observatory has the range to find a single named star among thousands. Bring the coordinates from your Star Register certificate to one of its free public nights, or explore other named stars in our catalogue.