Kirkwood Observatory

Kirkwood Observatory is an astronomical facility at Indiana University Bloomington housing a major refracting telescope designed for viewing distant stars and planets. The building also contains specialized solar instruments, including a heliostat and spectrograph system that allows detailed study of the sun's surface and its activity.

The facility was built around 1900 and formally opened in 1901, named after astronomer Daniel Kirkwood who made discoveries about planetary motion patterns. Its creation gave the university a dedicated place for teaching astronomy and conducting observations.

The observatory functions as a community gathering place where visitors and students learn to observe the sky together through telescopes and guided discussions. These shared viewing experiences foster a sense of wonder and connection to the cosmos among people of all backgrounds.

Public viewing sessions happen on regular evenings when the university is active, and you can simply show up without advance booking. Clear skies and low light pollution make for the best observing conditions, so plan your visit accordingly.

The main telescope was built by the respected Warner & Swasey Company and features a premium objective lens crafted by Brashear, giving it optical quality rarely found in modern automated instruments. This handmade precision construction keeps the telescope remarkably effective even after more than a century of use.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 39.16580,-86.52610

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41