Williams Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Williams Observatory, formally the Craven E. Williams Observatory, is owned and operated by Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and has been a focal point for local astronomy since 1990.
About Williams Observatory
Built in 1990, the observatory is named after Craven E. Williams, the ninth president of Gardner-Webb University. It is home to the Cleveland County Astronomical Society and holds monthly open houses for students and the wider community.
Telescopes & research
Among its instruments, the observatory features a 16-inch (41 cm) Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. It is maintained by Dr. Don Olive, a science professor at the university, who opens the facility to campus and community visitors.
Location & getting there
Williams Observatory is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, on the Gardner-Webb University campus.
Visiting Williams Observatory
The observatory holds monthly open houses for the community alongside the Cleveland County Astronomical Society; check Gardner-Webb University's website for current dates before visiting.
See your named star from here
Every open house at Williams Observatory is a chance to point a 16-inch telescope at real coordinates in the sky, the same kind used to locate a star named through Star Register. Browse the catalogue or name a star today.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics