Fick Observatory

Fick Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Boone, Iowa that was equipped with multiple telescopes of varying sizes for celestial observation. The facility included both optical telescopes and a radio telescope for observing the night sky.

Iowa State University established this observatory in 1970 and named it after amateur astronomer Erwin W. Fick, who created a trust to fund astronomical research. The facility ceased operations in 2015 and was later sold.

The facility conducted research on stellar radial velocity, ring galaxy collisions, and lunar occultation until its closure in 2015.

The site was designed for dark-sky research and provided conditions for long-term celestial observation work. Visitors should know that the facility is no longer operational and the grounds are now privately owned.

A telescope mirror from an earlier project by Milo Mather was refurbished in 1970 and incorporated into the new facility. This recycled optical element connects the continuity of observational work across different generations at the site.

Location: Iowa

Website: http://public.iastate.edu/~astro/fickwww

GPS coordinates: 42.00560,-93.94390

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25