Washburn Observatory, Astronomical observatory in University of Wisconsin, United States
The Washburn Observatory houses a 15.6-inch refracting telescope within its white-painted brick structure on Observatory Drive at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
Established in 1881, the observatory ranked third largest in the United States at its inception and contributed to astronomical research for more than five decades.
The facility maintains a connection between science and community through regular public viewings, allowing visitors to examine celestial objects through its historical telescope.
The Department of Astronomy manages regular evening observation sessions from April through October, requiring advance registration for participation in telescope viewing programs.
The observatory's original solar instruments were initially installed to search for the hypothetical planet Vulcan between the Sun and Mercury.
Location: Madison
Inception: 1881
Address: 1401 Observatory Drive
Website: http://astro.wisc.edu/the-public/public-observing-at-washburn
GPS coordinates: 43.07647,-89.40890
Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52
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