Washburn Observatory info, effective during observatory renovations (Fall 2007 – Summer 2009).

The Observatory is run by the Department of Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

The Washburn Observatory is currently closed for renovations. It is set to re-open Summer 2009. Beginning in February 2008, public telescope viewing will be held on the roof of Sterling Hall at 475 North Charter Street. The Sterling Hall roof will be open for public telescope viewing on the FIRST and THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm in November through March and from 9 pm to 11 pm in April through October. Please enter Sterling Hall through the EAST entrance on the opposite side of the building from Charter Street and follow the posted signs.

Weather permitting (the sky needs to be 75% clear), celestial objects that are favorably located at the time of observing may be viewed through either the 6” Sterling rooftop telescope (a smaller version of the Washburn telescope) or one of the 8” backyard telescopes owned by the Astronomy Department. Objects for viewing include the Moon, planets, double stars, star clusters, and nebulae.

The Sterling Hall roof will be open for telescope viewing only; there is no lecture or tour. One or two volunteer astronomers will be on duty to answer any questions you might have. You may need to wait in line on the roof to access the telescope, so please dress appropriately. Even if the sky is clear, the Sterling Hall roof may be closed if there is a heavy snowpack.

The Sterling Hall roof is only open to the public on designated Wednesdays. There is no fee, no reservations are needed, and groups are welcome without advance notice. Any age is invited—even young children can enjoy stargazing through a telescope. Unfortunately, Sterling Hall is an old building and the roof is not wheelchair accessible. Please note that observing will never be held on July 4, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

For additional information on local astronomy viewing or learning activities:

The UW Space Place at 2300 S. Park Street in the Villager Mall is operated by the Space Astronomy Laboratory and the Department of Astronomy and has activities for adults, children, civic groups, and teachers. Space Place offers exhibits, lectures, and hands-on activities to teach basic scientific principles in a fun way, bringing the wonder and excitement of space sciences to all ages. Public lectures are held on the SECOND and FOURTH TUESDAY of each month; Children’s Workshops are every SATURDAY. Call 262-4779 for lecture and workshop information or visit www.spaceplace.wisc.edu.

Madison has an amateur astronomy group, the Madison Astronomical Society. For more information, call Jane Breun at 832-1583.

The University Planetarium is NOT open to the public. However, there is a planetarium at Memorial High School that is open to the public during the school year. Two programs are offered on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month at 6:30 and 7:45 pm. There IS a fee. A different topic is covered each month. Accommodations can be made for special afternoon showings to groups. Contact Memorial High at 663-6109 for more information.

Goodbye for now and happy stargazing!