Pejsa Observatory
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT SKY THROUGH OUR LENS
The UW-Stevens Point Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory houses a 0.4-m (16-inch) Meade, computer-controlled telescope. Normally the observatory is open for public viewing three nights per week (if the skies are clear) during the school year. Monday nights are specifically designed for the public while Tuesday and Wednesday nights are used primarily by astronomy students, but anyone is welcome.
Public viewing runs from mid-September to mid-December, then late-January through mid-May.
Stargazing sessions-if skies are clear– occur each week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, 8:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m, weather permitting. Public viewings with portable telescopes are hosted at the north end of Coleman Field, on the corner of Maria Drive and Reserve Street.
Because sessions are weather-dependent, a final decision regarding the status of the night’s viewing will be made around 7:30 p.m.
The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory is staffed by knowledgeable astronomy students and staff who will find and describe various interesting objects that can be seen in the current night-time sky.
NOTE: IF SKIES ARE CLOUDY THE OBSERVATORY WILL BE CLOSED. ALSO, IF THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW ~10 DEGREES WE WILL ALSO DECIDE TO CLOSE DUE TO TECHNICAL CONSTRAINTS RELATED TO COMPUTER SCREENS, POOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COMPUTERS, TELESCOPE, AND DOME.