A young visitor, guided by students, takes 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 Melanie Santiago '25 and Simon Thill '25 at strawbridge.observing [at] gmail.com for more information.
Mailing List
Would you like to sign up for our email list? Please join the group. We would love to hear from you!
Public Observing Schedule & Directions
These events include observing through one or more of our telescopes (weather permitting), activities for children, and a student-led talk on a topic in astronomy.
In Fall 2024, we are planning to run public observing nights on the following evenings. Please do not come early.
- Friday, October 4 from 8:00—10:00 p.m. (no tickets needed; coming later may result in smaller crowds)
- Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 from 7:00—9:00 p.m. as part of Haverford Family & Friends Weekend (tickets via: Family & Friends 2024)
- Saturday, December 7 from 7:00—9:00 p.m. (no tickets needed; coming later may result in smaller crowds)
Join our Mailing List to be kept informed.
For images taken with our telescopes you may enjoy the "Astronoblog". Watch these videos to learn more about our 12" telescope and 16" telescope.
Directions
The Strawbridge Observatory is located on Walton Road, just off College Avenue between Haverford Road and Lancaster Ave.
