Public Outreach
Viewing Nights at the Detroit Observatory
Viewing Nights are a collaboration between the Bentley Historical Library, the Department of Astronomy, and our wonderful volunteers. We also depend heavily on good weather, so please check the events below to make sure we'll be able to open up.
We're always looking for more help. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Shannon Murphy.
The Detroit Observatory is on the corner of Ann and Observatory in Ann Arbor (see map at page bottom.) It was the first research institution at the University of Michigan and was built with funds from Detroit area donors, including money raised by school children in the Detroit Schools. It is now run by the Bentley Historical Library. The official website is at http://bentley.umich.edu/observatory/. You'll find information on the observatory, its history and daytime open house dates there.
Parking can be a real challenge in the area. Check out the parking and directions on the Bentley site: http://bentley.umich.edu/observatory/directions.php
Upcoming Events
All events are weather dependent: it must be reasonably clear, with NO precipitation, above 40º F and under 80% humidity. We also need enough people to run the telescope safely. Event titles are updated a few hours before each event with the status (on or cancelled). PLEASE check it before coming out.
29 May 2012, Viewing Night - WEATHER PERMITTING - from 9:30pm until 11:00pm (add this to my google calendar)
Weather (and staffing) permitting, the 150 year old Fitz telescope will be open to look through. This is an historic building, and you must be able to climb stairs to get to the telescope. Visitors may find a red flashlight helpful, but please don't bring a white light.
12 June 2012, Viewing Night - WEATHER PERMITTING - from 9:30pm until 11:00pm (add this to my google calendar)
Weather (and staffing) permitting, the 150 year old Fitz telescope will be open to look through. This is an historic building, and you must be able to climb stairs to get to the telescope. Visitors may find a red flashlight helpful, but please don't bring a white light.
17 July 2012, Viewing Night - WEATHER PERMITTING - from 9:30pm until 11:00pm (add this to my google calendar)
Weather (and staffing) permitting, the 150 year old Fitz telescope will be open to look through. This is an historic building, and you must be able to climb stairs to get to the telescope. Visitors may find a red flashlight helpful, but please don't bring a white light.
31 July 2012, Viewing Night - WEATHER PERMITTING - from 9:30pm until 11:00pm (add this to my google calendar)
Weather (and staffing) permitting, the 150 year old Fitz telescope will be open to look through. This is an historic building, and you must be able to climb stairs to get to the telescope. Visitors may find a red flashlight helpful, but please don't bring a white light.
14 August 2012, Viewing Night - WEATHER PERMITTING - from 9:00pm until 10:30pm (add this to my google calendar)
Weather (and staffing) permitting, the 150 year old Fitz telescope will be open to look through. This is an historic building, and you must be able to climb stairs to get to the telescope. Visitors may find a red flashlight helpful, but please don't bring a white light.
Other Ways to get updates:
- View the Google calendar
- if you have a google account, you can subscribe to the "Detroit Observatory Viewing Nights" calendar.
- Like the Michigan Astronomy Facebook Page or the Detroit Observatory page
- Follow @MichiganAstro on Twitter
Location:
1398 E Ann st.
Steps lead up the hill from Ann, or the sidewalk leads up from Observatory st.
