Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes Observatory sits in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, at an elevation of 334 feet, and is known as the "birthplace of modern astrophysics."

About Yerkes Observatory

Founded in 1892 by astronomer George Ellery Hale and financed by businessman Charles T. Yerkes, the observatory was dedicated in 1897. It marked a shift in how observatories were conceived: rather than simple housing for telescopes and observers, Yerkes integrated observing equipment with laboratory space for physics and chemistry analysis.

History

The University of Chicago's Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics operated Yerkes from its 1897 founding until closing it in October 2018. In November 2019 the university announced the observatory would transfer to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF), with ownership changing hands on 1 May 2020. Following restoration work, Yerkes reopened for public tours and programming in May 2022.

Telescopes & research

The main dome houses a 40-inch (102cm) doublet lens refracting telescope — the largest refractor ever successfully used for astronomical observation. Two smaller domes hold 41-inch (104cm) and 24-inch (60cm) reflecting telescopes. The observatory also holds an archive of more than 170,000 photographic plates. When dedicated in 1897, the 40-inch refractor was the largest telescope of its kind in the world, having been shown at the World's Columbian Exhibition in Chicago before installation.

Location & getting there

Yerkes Observatory is located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, in the North America region, at an elevation of 334 feet.

Visiting Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes reopened to the public in May 2022 with tours and programming under the Yerkes Future Foundation. Check the official Yerkes Observatory website for current tour schedules and tickets before visiting.

See your named star from here

Few places connect you to the history of astronomy quite like the site of the world's largest refracting telescope. If you've named a star with us, its coordinates can guide a telescope here toward it. Name a star or browse the catalogue of stars already registered.