Detroit Observatory

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Detroit Observatory, Astronomical observatory at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US.

The Detroit Observatory contains a 12-inch refracting telescope within its dome structure, positioned at an elevation of 294 meters above sea level.

Built in 1854 through fundraising efforts led by Henry N. Walker, the observatory became the first scientific research facility at the University of Michigan.

The facility maintains regular astronomical programs where visitors examine celestial objects including Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and distant stars.

Located at 1398 East Ann Street, the observatory offers free entry on Fridays with historical tours from noon until 5:30 PM, weather conditions permitting.

The observatory houses the third-largest refracting telescope of its time, installed in 1854 for a total construction cost of 22,000 dollars.

Location: Ann Arbor

Inception: 1854

Official opening: 1854

Elevation above the sea: 294 m

Part of: University of Michigan

GPS coordinates: 42.28167,-83.73167

Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52

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