The Observatory is open to the public just after sunset for couple of hours, the first Tuesday of each month (weather permitting) during the 9 month academic year September through May excluding January.

Observatory will be open to the public on
2008 Sept. 2 ATU Observatory (McEver) ~8-10pm
2008 Oct. 7 ATU Observatory (McEver) ~7-9pm
2008 Nov. 4 ATU Observatory (McEver) ~6-8pm
2008 Dec. 2 ATU Observatory (McEver) ~6-8pm

2009 Spring Dates TBA

The Astronomical Observatory features a 16-inch reflecting telescope donated to Arkansas Tech University by Tech alumni Dr. James Clarke of Mountain Home, Arkansas.  It can be utilized in an f/16 Cassegrain or f/4 Newtonian configuration.  A Meade 12-inch LX200 has also been acquired for use in laboratory instruction and automation.  The observatory uses SBIG ST-6 and ST-9 CCD detectors with a compliment of UBVRI-standard and RGB-tricolor filters for astronomical imaging.

The observatory building includes an ASH Dome which was completed in 1994 and is located adjacent to McEver Hall on the ATU campus.

The observatory also has ten 8-inch dobsonians along with a 4-inch refractor, a 6-inch reflector and three 8-inch clock driven celestrons which are also used for student instruction and supplement the main telescope during public observing nights and astronomy labs at the ATU campus.

Want to purchase a TELESCOPE? Visit Astrostuff

Remember to support the International Dark Sky Association: IDA and fight for energy efficient, astronomically non-obtrusive public lighting.