William Brydone Jack Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The William Brydone Jack Observatory stands on the campus of the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, a small building with an outsized place in the country's scientific history.
About William Brydone Jack Observatory
Constructed in 1851, it was the first astronomical observatory built anywhere in British North America, predating Canadian Confederation by more than a decade. In recognition of that milestone, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1954.
History
The observatory takes its name from William Brydone Jack, the astronomer and University of New Brunswick president who had it built to support early scientific instruction in the young colony of New Brunswick.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits on the University of New Brunswick's campus in Fredericton, the provincial capital, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting the university grounds.
Visiting William Brydone Jack Observatory
As a heritage building on an active university campus, opening times can vary with the academic calendar, so it's worth checking with the University of New Brunswick or local tourism resources before visiting.
See your named star from here
Long before satellite navigation, observatories like this one used precise coordinates to track the sky, the same kind of coordinates recorded for every star named through Star Register. Browse the catalogue or name a star to claim your own point in the sky.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
