Boyden Observatory

Boyden Observatory is an astronomical facility located on Boyden Hill, approximately 26 kilometers east of Bloemfontein in South Africa. The site houses a 60-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope and a 40-centimeter robotic telescope equipped for research and observation work.

Harvard University established the observatory in Peru in 1889 but relocated it to South Africa in 1927 to take advantage of superior atmospheric conditions for astronomical observation. The move transformed the facility into a major research center for the Southern Hemisphere.

The facility serves as a hub for astronomy education in the region, with school groups regularly visiting for observation programs and research activities. It plays an important role in introducing young people to the night sky and scientific discovery.

Visitors can arrange tours and observation sessions through the Friends of Boyden Society, with the clearest stargazing conditions typically occurring between May and August. The hilltop location with minimal light pollution ensures good viewing conditions year-round.

The facility discovered four asteroids in 1966, contributing significantly to asteroid research from the Southern Hemisphere. It houses one of the continent's larger telescopes, providing distinctive views of southern sky objects that are difficult to observe from the north.

Location: Free State

Inception: 1889

Elevation above the sea: 1,372 m

Website: http://assabfn.co.za/friendsofboyden/boyden.htm

GPS coordinates: -29.03883,26.40472

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01