Embry-Riddle Observatory

Embry-Riddle Observatory is a facility located on a university building rooftop in Daytona Beach that houses a large optical telescope and several smaller viewing instruments. The equipment allows detailed observation of stars, planets, and other celestial objects throughout the night.

The facility started as Creekside Observatory about two decades ago and was later moved to its current location on campus. This relocation allowed for equipment upgrades and better integration with the university's educational mission.

The facility serves as a gathering place where students and visitors explore the sky together under the guidance of researchers and educators. These sessions bring people together around a shared sense of wonder about what lies beyond Earth.

Visitors should plan to attend public events that occur on certain evenings during the academic calendar. It helps to bring warm clothing since observation happens on an exposed rooftop.

The facility houses one of Florida's largest optical telescopes, which gathers millions of times more light than the human eye can perceive. This powerful instrument makes observations possible that would be impossible to see without it.