Fan Mountain Observatory

Fan Mountain Observatory is an astronomical research facility in Albemarle County, Virginia, equipped with a 40-inch reflector telescope used for astrometric observations and a 31-inch reflector telescope designed for optical and infrared research. Both instruments support ongoing investigations into celestial objects and phenomena.

The facility was established in 1966 to expand the University of Virginia's astronomical work beyond the McCormick Observatory, which faced limitations from its urban surroundings. The rural mountain location provided clearer skies for observing the heavens.

The observatory holds two annual public viewing nights where visitors can look through professional research telescopes to see stars and planets in the night sky.

The site sits at elevation in a mountainous area, so plan to bring appropriate clothing for cool mountain nights and variable weather conditions. Public viewing events are scheduled during months when weather and night skies are typically most favorable for observation.

The facility maintains a vast collection of more than 150,000 photographic plates documenting astronomical observations from throughout the 1900s. These historical records are being systematically digitized and made available for ongoing research and study.