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McKim Observatory Open House

Everyone is welcome at McKim Observatory Open House Events!

 

Mckim will not be open for the April 8 Eclipse

 

However, we will be open for daytime visitors on Sunday April 7 from 3 pm to 7 pm.

 

While McKim Observatory will not be open for viewing the eclipse on 8 April, we welcome visitors on Sunday 7 April between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. This open house takes place during daylight hours, so viewing through the telescope won't be possible. However, visitors will be able to explore the historic building and marvel at the antique but fully operational astronomical instruments it houses.

McKim Observatory is an excellent example of a late 19th-century American observatory. Built in 1884, it retains much of its original equipment and remains largely untouched by modernization. Its first floor comprises four distinct rooms: The Transit Room, The Chronograph Room, The Clock Room and the Library.  The second floor consists of the Equatorial Room which is home to the star of McKim Observatory:  a Clark Refracting Telescope with a 9.53” objective lens made by the renown Alvin Clark and Sons. The Transit Room is home to an operational Fauth and Company Meridian Circle Transit Telescope. A functional Warner and Swasey chronograph completes the suite of original instruments and is housed in the Chronograph Room. The Clock Room once held the observatory’s astronomical clocks, which are now on display in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at DePauw University. The Library Room preserves the original Biddle Library bookcase with a few of its original reference materials.

For your visit, please note the historic building is not ADA compliant. The access to the building is the set of stairs shown in the picture. Inside, the access to the second floor is by a wooden spiral staircase with a conventional steepness.

Also note that while McKim is an excellent example of a historic observatory, it lacks the modern convenience of a restroom.

 

The next scheduled open house is Fri Apr. 19 at 9:30pm

In the event of total cloud cover (or strong wind!) the open house will be cancelled. 

The Clark 9.53 inch refactor will be open for viewing the planets, moon, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.  The featured objects will depend on the date and sky conditions.  In good sky conditions we will also set up Celestron telescopes on the lawn around the observatory.

Please note that while McKim is well equipped for observing the sky, it lacks the modern convenience of a restroom. Also note that evening weather tends to be chilly, and you will enjoy your visit to McKim more if you dress warmly.

We are happy to give special tours to groups.  To arrange a visit to McKim, call the Department of Physics and Astronomy (765-658-4654), Dr. Mary Kertzman (765-658-4647), or Dr. Howard Brooks (765-658-4653).

mckim

Schedule of Open Houses:

The status of each open house will be updated by 4:00 PM Friday of that week.  Check back for the latest information regarding cancellations.


2023-24 Open House Schedule

Fri, Sep 1 9:30 - 10:30 pm  
Fri, Sep 22 8:45 - 10:00 pm  
Fri, Oct 6 8:45 - 10:00 pm Old Gold Weekend
Fri, Oct 27 8:15 - 10:00 pm (CANCELED-clouds) Family Weekend
Fri, Nov 10 7:00 - 9:00 pm  
Fri, Nov 17 7:00 - 9:00 pm  
Fri, Dec 1 7:00 - 9:00 pm  
Fri, Dec 8 7:00 - 9:00 pm  
Fri, Jan 12 7:00 - 9:00 pm (CANCELED-clouds and wind!)
Fri, Jan 19 7:00 - 9:00 pm (CANCELED-clouds, cold, frozen dome)
Fri, Feb 2 7:30 - 9:30 pm  
Fri, Feb 16 7:30 - 9:30 pm (CANCELED -snow)
Fri, Mar 1 8:00 - 9:30 pm  (CANCELED- clouds and rain)
Fri, Mar 15 9:00 - 10:00 pm   
Fri, Apr 19 9:30 - 10:30 pm  

 

Directions to McKim:

The address for McKim is DePauw Avenue, Greencastle 46135. It is located just north of Franklin Avenue a couple of blocks west of Kroger.

Maps: For direction put in "DePauw Avenue, Greencastle 46135"

PDF Map to McKim Observatory