Amherst College Observatory
The telescopes on the Science Center's George I. Alden Trust Observation Deck are available for coursework, open houses, and general student use.
Physics & Astronomy Amherst College Observatory
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Coursework
Students in Observational Techniques (ASTR 337) use the rooftop observatory to practice their observing skills and acquire data. The observatory is also available for class visits, such as viewing Jupiter's moons or optics demonstrations.
Student use
After being trained as Observatory Operators, students are able to use some of the telescopes for independent observing and astrophotography. Any students interested in the training class should register here.
Open Houses
Several times a year, the observatory is open to the campus community for an evening open house. We also hold public open houses from time to time.
Additional facilities
Complementing the rooftop observatory are a portable inflatable planetarium with digital projector as well as the historic Bassett Planetarium and Wilder Observatory. Course use and outreach visits are coordinated with the staff at the Beneski Museum.
