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Haverford College
Departments of Physics and Astronomy
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Strawbridge Observatory

Observatory
Strawbridge Observatory shot at twilight in 2003

The Strawbridge Observatory at Haverford College houses 12-inch and 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes which are actively used by students in Haverford astronomy classes. The telescopes are also periodically made available for public use with teaching assistants and/or professors present to provide assistance and background information about what is being viewed. Note that the telescopes are only used when it is clear, and the domes are not opened when it is cloudy.

The contact phone number for the college is (610) 896-1000. If the weather is in doubt, please call to confirm that the observatory is open and that someone is there.

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"No Night without a Telescope" at Haverford College

Haverford College is one of eight Philadelphia area institutions participating in a program to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy!

We call it "No Night without a Telescope," because there will be an astronomy event available EVERY NIGHT in the Philadelphia area for an entire lunar cycle (month) from October 18 to November 24. Whenever the weather is clear, in addition to an astronomy talk or slide show, we will have our telescopes open to the public. Kids are welcome!

Dress warmly – our telescopes are outdoors!

THE EVENTS AT HAVERFORD ARE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS AT 7:00 p.m. Daylight Time in October, switching to 6:00 p.m. Standard Time in November. They will be repeated an hour later, if needed. THEY WILL BE IN CHASE AUDITORIUM (see campus map and driving instructions.)

More information and schedule >

Public Observing

    The observatory will be open for public observing during the Spring 2010 semester on the following nights:

    • Tuesday February 16, 7:30-9:00 pm (rain date: Thursday February 18)
    • Tuesday March 16, 8:00-9:30 pm (rain date: Thursday March 18)
    • Tuesday April 20, 8:00-9:30 pm (rain date: Thursday April 22)

    A short, student presentation about a current astronomical topic will be given independent of weather. Observing will only take place if skies are clear.

    A reminder will also be printed in the Founders Bell and will be posted on go.haverford.edu before each public observing session.

Directions to the Observatory

The Strawbridge Observatory is located on the College's Walton Road, just off College Avenue between Haverford Road and Lancaster Ave.

Going West on Lancaster Ave. (Rt. 30):
  • Turn left onto Haverford Station Road (just past Haverford College's main entrance).
  • Bear right at fork; the street becomes Railroad Ave.
  • You will drive by the parking area of The Haverford School on the right and Haverford College property on the left.
  • At next fork, bear left; the street becomes College Avenue.
  • Immediately look for a small Haverford College sign on the left at Walton Road.
  • Turn left onto campus at Walton Road. A short distance later, you will see observatory on your right (just before the athletic playing fields.)
  • Follow signs for visitors parking (at the end of Walton Road)

Images from Strawbridge Observatory