Black Moshannon Observatory

Black Moshannon Observatory was a research facility nestled in a forested area northwest of State College, equipped with advanced instruments for studying stars. The site used specialized spectrographs to gather detailed data about different types of stars and their characteristics.

Pennsylvania State University established this research facility in the 1970s as part of its astronomy programs. The site was closed in the mid-1990s after more than 20 years of conducting scientific observations.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University conducted research on chromospherically active stars and binary star systems.

The location within the state park offered a quiet setting with minimal light pollution, making it suitable for precise astronomical measurements. Visitors should know that the facility is no longer operational and may only be accessible from the outside.

The facility's telescope was equipped with fiber-coupled technology that allowed scientists to conduct highly detailed spectral analysis of stars. This advanced setup enabled the team to discover new binary star systems that might have been missed elsewhere.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.92200,-78.00500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03