Stull Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Alfred, New York, United States
Stull Observatory is an astronomical facility on the Alfred University campus housing seven independent telescopes spread across multiple observation domes. The main instrument is the Austin-Fellows 32-inch Newtonian reflector, which works alongside smaller telescopes for research and teaching.
The facility began in 1863 when William A. Rogers ordered a 9-inch refractor telescope from instrument maker Henry Fitz, establishing the foundation for astronomy at Alfred University. Over the decades, the equipment was expanded and upgraded, eventually leading to the construction of the current observatory with its larger instruments.
The observatory serves as a teaching hub where students and researchers conduct astronomical studies together. You can observe how the telescopes are used for both education and serious scientific work.
The facility is located on the university campus and can be reached from various campus entrances. Check with the university about visiting times and access to the telescopes, as observation sessions are often scheduled for specific events and may require advance notice.
The Austin-Fellows telescope ranks as the second largest optical telescope in New York state and matches the size of Vassar College's instrument. This remarkable coincidence makes it one of the most significant observation tools in the region.
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