John Payson Williston Observatory

The John Payson Williston Observatory contains a 24-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector telescope and an 8-inch Meade LX-200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for observations.

Built in 1881 at the highest point of Mount Holyoke College campus, the observatory was constructed to observe the Venus transit of 1882.

The Mount Holyoke College Astronomy Department maintains this facility, which serves as an educational center for students and hosts regular public observation nights.

Located at 231 feet altitude with coordinates 42°15′21.7″N and 72°34′39.3″W, the observatory operates regardless of weather conditions during scheduled events.

The observatory stands as the oldest academic structure on Mount Holyoke College campus, featuring multiple telescopes for celestial research and educational programs.

Part of: Mount Holyoke College

Website: https://mtholyoke.edu/acad/astronomy/williston-observatory

GPS coordinates: 42.25610,-72.25610

Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52