Fuertes Observatory

Fuertes Observatory is an academic facility on Cornell University's campus that houses a 12-inch refractive telescope inside a steel dome measuring 24 feet across. The building sits near Beebe Lake in an elevated location that provides good views of the night sky from this part of the campus.

The building was constructed in 1917 as a teaching facility for navigation and surveying work. Over time it became a center for public sky observation and science education at the university.

The facility draws people together to observe the night sky and has become a gathering place for students and visitors who share curiosity about what lies above. These regular viewings create moments of direct connection with the cosmos that many visitors remember long after their visit.

Visitors can arrive Friday evenings starting at 8 PM and stay until midnight to look through the telescope if weather permits clear skies. It helps to dress warmly for the evening and check weather conditions beforehand since clouds will block the view.

The telescope inside has special origins, as its glass lens was obtained from the renowned Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin. This component was selected and installed in 1919 specifically for this location, connecting it to a broader tradition of astronomical work.

Location: Ithaca

Inception: 1917

Part of: Cornell University

Website: http://fuertes.astro.cornell.edu

GPS coordinates: 42.45280,-76.47450

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:06