Students take a closer look at Jupiter and its moons through the observatory's 16" telescope. Photo: Thomas Carroll.
Strawbridge Observatory & Public Observing
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.
Weather
Note The telescopes are only used when it is clear, and the domes are not opened when it is cloudy.
If the weather is in doubt, your best option is to email strawbridge.observing [at] gmail.com and ask whether observing will take place.
Groups
If you would like to bring a group to any of our events, please contact us early in the year to see if your group can be accommodated.
Contact Kate Gold BMC '21 and Nathan Wolthuis '21 at strawbridge.observing [at] gmail.com for more information.
Mailing List
Would you like to sign up for our email list? Please fill out this form. We would love to hear from you!
Public Observing Schedule & Directions
These events include observing though one or more of our telescopes (weather permitting), activities for children, and a student-led talk on a topic in astronomy.
Friday, March 19, 2021
8:00–9:00 p.m. "Public Observing: Equinox" - Virtual event. Join via Zoom or stream on YouTube. The theme of this event is the Equinox. We will be having telescope observing, dome tours, a fun egg balancing activity, and student talks on the spring equinox and space objects.
Friday, April 9, 2021
8:00–9:00 p.m."Public Observing: Mars" - Virtual event. Join via Zoom or stream on YouTube. The theme of this event is Mars. Come and learn about recent missions to Mars, and (weather permitting) learn how to view the planet for yourself.
Friday, May 7, 2021
8:00–9:00 p.m."Public Observing: Multiwavelength Astronomy" - Virtual event. Join via Zoom or stream on YouTube. The theme of this is Multiwavelength Astronomy. Come and learn about how astronomers use multiple windows on the Universe to understand what is out there.
Directions
The Strawbridge Observatory is located on Walton Road, just off College Avenue between Haverford Road and Lancaster Ave.
