Orchard Hill Observatory

Orchard Hill Observatory is an astronomical facility at University of Massachusetts Amherst that houses a 16-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope within a brick building located at the campus's highest elevation. The structure provides an ideal vantage point for observing the night sky and supports both research and educational activities.

The facility was originally established in 1965 with a 20-inch telescope that was replaced by a smaller 16-inch model in 1976. The newer telescope came from an automotive manufacturing company, representing an unusual equipment donation to the observatory.

The Five College Astronomy Club organizes observation sessions at the facility, connecting students from multiple educational institutions in Massachusetts.

Visit on clear nights when cloud cover is minimal and the moon is not full to get the best viewing experience. Check in advance if public observation sessions are scheduled, as the facility operates primarily for educational programs and may have limited open hours.

The telescope spent roughly ten years in storage after its acquisition, earning it the playful nickname 'Subterranean Telescope' before proper installation. This unusual waiting period is an odd footnote in how the facility came to operate.

Location: Massachusetts

Website: http://astro.umass.edu/~orchardhill

GPS coordinates: 42.39410,-72.52160

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:47