Hours of Operation
The observatory is open to the general public on Mondays from 7 pm to 10 pm, except for university holidays and cloudy nights.
Solar Eclipse 4/8/24
We will host a variety of safe viewing options for the Solar Eclipse on Monday 4/8 from 3-4pm at the Observatory and on the roof of Meier Hall. Note - It is NEVER safe to look a the Sun directly; doing so will result in permanent damage to your eyes.
Safe viewing methods available will include:
- Certified Solar Eclipse Glasses which cut down 99.999% of light (limited # of pairs available)
- Solar projections via pinhole cameras (DIY stations with instructions and some built models available)
- Off-axis solar filter on the observatory's 12" Meade LX200 ACF telescope
- Solar projection from a telescope/binoculars onto a screen
Status Tonight
- Weather cancellations will be posted day-of by midafternoon to the Observatory Status page of the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club
Location
Roof of Meier Hall, North Campus
Accessible from the elevator located at the rear of the building. Take elevator to floor "P" and follow signs.
Schedule Spring 2024
| Date | Top Target |
| 1/22 | Moon 93% illuminated |
| 1/29 | Jupiter |
| 2/5 | Jupiter |
| 2/12 | Jupiter |
| 2/19 | CLOSED due to University Holiday |
| 2/26 | Moon 96% |
| 3/4 | Jupiter |
| 3/11 | CLOSED due to Spring Break |
| 3/18 | Moon 68% |
| 3/25 | Full Moon |
| 4/1 | Jupiter |
| 4/8 | Jupiter; Solar eclipse 3-4pm |
| 4/15 | Moon 52% |
| 4/22 | Full Moon |
| 4/29 | Jupiter |
| 5/6 | Jupiter |
| 5/13 | Moon 35% |
Notes
Occasional live streams can be viewed via the Collins Observatory YouTube Channel.
Learn about the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club.
Take me back to the Collins Observatory home page.
COVID-19 Safety
We are continually adapting our operations in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Check the university's latest COVID-19 guidance.
Contact
Luke Conlin, Collins Observatory Coordinator