Van Vleck Observatory

Log in to your account

AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
Connect to save your favorite spots, contribute locations, and create personalized routes.
By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy

Van Vleck Observatory, Astronomical observatory at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, United States.

The Van Vleck Observatory contains three primary telescopes: a 24-inch Perkin research telescope, a 20-inch Alvan Clark refractor, and a 2.4-meter radio telescope.

The observatory, established in 1914, received its name from John M. Van Vleck, who led the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at Wesleyan University.

The facility maintains an extensive research library containing thousands of astronomical monographs, charts, and historical documents from Connecticut's astronomical discoveries.

Students utilize the observatory's computer laboratory, which features specialized astronomical software including astroconda, CASA, IDL, and CIAO for research purposes.

The observatory houses a collection that includes the 6-inch aperture refractor from 1836, which held the position of largest telescope in the United States until 1840.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.55500,-72.65920

Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52

Around this place
Show the full map
Arrigoni Bridge
United States of America

Arrigoni Bridge

1.8 km
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill
United States of America

Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill

2 km
Samuel Wadsworth Russell House
United States of America

Samuel Wadsworth Russell House

658 m
Indian Hill Cemetery
United States of America

Indian Hill Cemetery

361 m
Middletown–Portland railroad bridge
United States of America

Middletown–Portland railroad bridge

1.6 km
Main Street Historic District
United States of America

Main Street Historic District

1.3 km
Richard Alsop IV House
United States of America

Richard Alsop IV House

448 m
St. Sebastian Church
United States of America

St. Sebastian Church

856 m
Wilcox, Crittenden Mill
United States of America

Wilcox, Crittenden Mill

947 m
Old Middletown Post Office
United States of America

Old Middletown Post Office

929 m
Broad Street Historic District
United States of America

Broad Street Historic District

815 m
Russell Company Upper Mill
United States of America

Russell Company Upper Mill

2.1 km
Middletown Alms House
United States of America

Middletown Alms House

880 m
Xi Chapter, Psi Upsilon Fraternity
United States of America

Xi Chapter, Psi Upsilon Fraternity

396 m
Arrawanna Bridge
United States of America

Arrawanna Bridge

1.1 km
Middletown South Green Historic District
United States of America

Middletown South Green Historic District

857 m
Edward Augustus Russell House
United States of America

Edward Augustus Russell House

530 m
Washington Street Historic District
United States of America

Washington Street Historic District

713 m
Saint Luke's Home for Destitute and Aged Women
United States of America

Saint Luke's Home for Destitute and Aged Women

766 m
Starr Mill Road Bridge
United States of America

Starr Mill Road Bridge

1.6 km
Coite-Hubbard House
United States of America

Coite-Hubbard House

392 m
Russell Library
United States of America

Russell Library

789 m
Captain Benjamin Williams House
United States of America

Captain Benjamin Williams House

1.3 km
Metro South Historic District
United States of America

Metro South Historic District

1.1 km
O'Rourke's Diner
United States of America

O'Rourke's Diner

1.2 km
Middlesex Opera House
United States of America

Middlesex Opera House

916 m
Capitol Theatre
United States of America

Capitol Theatre

979 m
Goldsmith Family Cinema
United States of America

Goldsmith Family Cinema

435 m
Show the full map

Reviews

Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.

« Van Vleck Observatory - Astronomical observatory at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, United States. » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes