The Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope atop Campbell Hall
**Note: Campbell sesions have been suspended indefinitely**

Campbell Hall Stargazing Sessions:

Join us as we observe the night sky from the roof of Campbell Hall. We use the Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope to observe a variety of celestial objects, from faint galaxies and nebulae to planets and the moon. We come up with a new list of objects to view each time, so every session is different. Sessions usually last about two hours, although you may leave earlier or stay longer if you wish.


About the Telescope:

With a primary mirror 16 inches in diameter, this is the largest commercially produced telescope of its kind. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design folds the light path within the telescope, significantly reducing the length of the tube. In addition, the telescope's advanced computer can automatically locate any one of 64,000 celestial objects and center it in the eyepiece. The telescope is housed within a motorized dome that can be rotated to view any portion of the sky. You can download the telescope's instruction manual here.


Naked-Eye Observation:

In addition to telescopic observation, we will observe the sky with nothing but our own
The Campbell Hall observatory. The telescope is housed inside the dome on the right.
eyes. From the upper deck of the roof, which provides a nearly unobstructed view of the sky, we will show you how to find prominent constellations and planets. Star maps will be provided.

What to Bring:

You do not need to bring anything other than your curiosity. However, be sure to dress appropriately, because it can get chilly up there. Binoculars and a red flashlight, if you have them, will enhance your experience considerably.


When is the next session?

Upcoming sessions will be listed in the Announcements section of this website, along with the starting time, which will vary as the year progresses. Be sure to arrive promptly, because the doors of Campbell Hall are locked at night. Below is a map showing the location of Campbell Hall.