Widener University Observatory

Widener University Observatory sits atop Kirkbride Hall on Widener University's main campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, giving students and the surrounding community access to a set of telescopes with an unusual origin story: a donation from NASA.

About Widener University Observatory

The observatory is owned and operated by Widener University and is used primarily for teaching and research within the physics and astronomy department, alongside public viewing sessions held throughout the year for the surrounding community.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a 16-inch LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope from Meade, housed in a 20.5-foot ASH dome. Four smaller 12-inch LX200GPS Meade telescopes are set up on two observation decks, giving multiple students or visitors the chance to observe simultaneously during public nights.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Kirkbride Hall on Widener University's main campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, in the Philadelphia metropolitan area of the northeastern United States.

Visiting Widener University Observatory

Public viewing sessions take place throughout the year and are open to the surrounding community, in addition to the observatory's regular use by physics and astronomy students. Check Widener University's website for the current schedule before visiting.

See your named star from here

With a 16-inch telescope and four supporting scopes on offer during public sessions, Widener University Observatory is a strong place to try locating a star named through Star Register — bring the right ascension and declination from your certificate along to a public night. Browse the catalogue or visit our packages to name a star of your own.