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Astronomy. Architecture. Arboretum. Art.

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Unlike anywhere else... in the entire cosmos.

Yerkes Observatory’s staff and trustees have dedicated the past three years to conscientiously restoring the landmark institution and fifty acre campus. We are conducting astronomical research and educational outreach in addition to building and hosting a series of programs bridging science with the arts and culture through bold ideas and performances.

In our second year open to the public, we have established a space where astrophysicists are collaborating with musicians, sculptors, landscape designers, writers, and artists across the spectrum to create contemporary, cross-pollinated works and programs. With astronomy at our core, Yerkes Observatory’s reawakening as an incubator of diverse minds makes us wildly enthusiastic during this recrudescence at the confluence of astronomy, architecture, arboretum, and art.

Mapping the unfolding universe for 126 years.

Yerkes observatory. s ee for yourself ..

What will the stars reveal to you?

Ancient navigators charted their course by them. Romantics pledge their love underneath them. Scientists unravel new secrets about them. Northwoods campers marvel at the sheer number of them. The stars have forever mystified, fascinated, and inspired us. For 125 years and counting, Yerkes Observatory has helped shape our understanding of the universe. And it is once again open for you to explore.

The story of Yerkes Observatory began on a household rooftop in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago in 1882. George Ellery Hale, a 14-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity about science, installed his first telescope there. A decade later Hale and his father constructed a proper observatory with a 12-inch telescope next to their home. Hale’s ideas about astronomy, observatories, and architecture would culminate in the creation of Yerkes Observatory housing the world's largest refracting telescope and the 12-inch refractor from Hale’s youth.

Yerkes Observatory Staff, 1898

Yerkes’ latest chapter is as a beacon illuminating a path for current and future generations of scientists and artists to discover and interpret the universe. Plan a visit and prepare to be amazed like the astronomers and visitors of the past 125 years.

Stroll the lush grounds designed by the Olmsteds who created Central Park, the U.S. Capitol grounds, and so much more. Take a tour through the Beaux Arts and Romanesque architectural masterpiece. Follow in the footsteps of astronomical greats like Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman, Gerard Kuiper, Mary Calvert, E.E. Barnard, Richard Kron, and Carl Sagan. Size up the Great Refractor telescope—all 63 feet and 20 tons of it—so delicately balanced that it can be moved by hand.

Albert Einstein visited. Now it’s your turn.

Space & Spaces

Yerkes tours are not what you expect. A typical observatory tour would involve mostly astronomy, but Yerkes tours aren't typical. Our upbeat and engaging guides discuss astrophysics, Romanesque architecture, Geneva Lake District history, restoration, preservation, electricity, landscape design, photography, engineering, art, and the stories of the humans from around the world who made their mark on science in Yerkes' spaces. Check out our Google reviews to read thousands of raves about our fresh approach to visitor experience.

Hidden Spaces

Our behind-the-scenes Director's Hidden Spaces tour takes you where the public has never been allowed to visit. The peculiar corners and rooms in the attic and basement of the 65,000 sq. ft. facility are just waiting to be explored! See the back-of-house infrastructure of Henry Ives Cobb's masterpiece of Beaux Arts and Romanesque design. This tour highlights the elaborate confection of ornament and order mixed with the ugly, dusty, and unchanged workspaces of 125 years of astronomers. From the tops of the three domes to the elevator floor to the subterranean dungeon, every detail tells a story.

Tours for All

We work hard every day to have each visitor leave our spaces filled with joy, humor, knowledge, and a sense of wonder. Yerkes was saved from almost certain demise and we wildly celebrate its survival on each tour. Our mantra of "Nine to Ninety" means that we strive to have nine year olds, ninety year olds, and everyone in between have experiences here that are uplifting and entertaining. We're looking for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and brains to be profoundly inspired by our tours.

A place in a class by itself makes every visit special.

Celebration! Olmstead 200

2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted's birth. He was a social reformer and the first pillar of American landscape architecture. Please join Yerkes Observatory and the National Association for Olmsted Parks as we explore Olmsted’s living legacy on site for the next hundred years.

Personalize Your celebration

Have your wedding on the Olmsted South Lawn rising from the shore of Geneva Lake. Hold your rehearsal dinner in our historic library. Family reunions, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers are also welcome in our stately spaces.

Host An Event

Whether you are planning a corporate retreat or organizing a private party, Yerkes Observatory's botanical splendor, historic architectural spaces, and thoughtful staff provide a special atmosphere for any occasion.

Follow us and let your mind fly.

If you love history, space, architecture, or the outdoors, Yerkes isn’t just a visit. It’s a pilgrimage .

It’s worth coming back again and again. I see something new every time I visit because the restoration continues.

The new trails on the grounds are just amazing. You can really get in touch with nature here.

So inspiring! After looking up at the Great Refractor, my high school-age daughter now wants to be an astronomer.

You can still feel the energy here. Exploring the universe will always be mystical and exciting.

Exploring the Solar System Open House

B > C > L > Twenty-Four

Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates for Summer 2024

Welcome 2024 Yerkes Research Interns!

Yerkes Observatory Announces Play/Space

Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates

Solar Eclipse Open House

Save the Date: Open House Schedule

June 23, 2024, may 10, 2024, april 29, 2024, april 19, 2024, march 14, 2024, march 11, 2024, march 4, 2024.

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Home   ›   External Newsletter   ›  Open Days at the Observatory of Geneva

Open Days at the Observatory of Geneva

The Observatory of Geneva celebrates its 250th anniversary with a year of activities for the public between June 2022 and June 2023. To launch these festivities, the Observatory of Geneva opens its doors for a special weekend on 18th and 19th June 2022. Come and discover the researchers of the astronomy department of the University of Geneva, one of the NCCR PlanetS’ parent institutions.

Observatory of Geneva at Sauverny. One of the NCCR PlanetS’ parent institutions

From the observation of the transit of Venus in 1769 by Jacques-André Mallet and Jean-Louis Pictet to the awarding of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics to Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, come and discover the fascinating history of the Geneva Observatory and meet the scientists who have made Switzerland’s international reputation in astrophysical research.

Nestled in the forest of Sauverny and a stone’s throw from the Versoix nature reserve, the University of Geneva’s Department of Astronomy and the EPFL’s Astrophysics Laboratory are opening their doors for a weekend of visits and meetings with the public. During two days, astrophysicists will share their passion through visits of the observatory, scientific conferences, 3D projections, planetarium shows, pedagogical workshops and solar observations.

Programme and registration on the website here

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The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) are a funding scheme of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

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This Charming Lake Town Is Known as the 'Newport of the Midwest' — How to Visit

Here's how to plan the perfect trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Best Hotels and Resorts

• Best Things to Do

Best Restaurants

Best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Travel Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, known as the "Hamptons of Chicago" and the "Newport of the Midwest," is one of the best small towns in Wisconsin. One of three main communities on Geneva Lake, this posh yet approachable resort town is famous for its Gilded Age estates built by notable Chicago families. It also has a world-renowned observatory, a winding 21-mile shore path around the lake, a famous mail boat cruise, and many independent eateries.

Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, located on 1,300 rolling acres just outside of town. 
• Check out the Yerkes Observatory, known as the birthplace of modern astrophysics. 
• Join the famous Mailboat Tour as it delivers mail to lake homes via boat. 
• Enjoy a meal at Pier 290.
• Visit during the summer for gorgeous weather perfect for lake days. 

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

A former Playboy Club, the recently renovated Grand Geneva draws inspiration from native Wisconsinite Frank Lloyd Wright's signature architectural approach. This grand resort boasts 358 guest rooms and over 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space on 1,300 rolling, hilly acres outside town. Three onsite restaurants, a ski hill, and a golf course round out the amenities. One of Travel + Leisure ’s best Midwest resorts for a fall getaway , this AAA Four-Diamond operation is an excellent base for exploring Lake Geneva any time of year. 

Maxwell Mansion

Mere blocks from downtown Lake Geneva, this boutique property has two distinct vibes: the lovingly restored historic mansion and the equestrian-chic Carriage House and Stables. Maxwell’s has six rooms in the main mansion, 14 in the carriage house, and seven suites and one standard room in the stables. A heated outdoor pool and three distinct watering holes — a speakeasy, a craft cocktail bar, and a seasonal outdoor tiki bar — set this unique spot apart from typical chain hotels.

According to Barb Krause, publisher of At The Lake Magazine , a quarterly print publication about the Geneva Lake area, “Maxwell’s owners, Luke and Monica, have a wealth of hospitality experience, and it shows in their creative décor and special events.” Krause suggests ordering a specialty cocktail at the Apothecary Bar and listening to live music. “There are so many cozy corners in the mansion and around the property to sit and have a conversation,” she adds.

The Abbey Resort

In the enclave of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, The Abbey is billed as the only full-service lakeside accommodation. “The Abbey has undergone a beautiful renovation, and the property shines from its lakefront location," Krause says. "You can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants in the village of Fontana."

With 334 guest rooms, including suites and villas, accommodations can meet your needs no matter who you travel with. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa concierge Sarah Hill notes that the 35,000-square-foot Avani Spa is particularly excellent. Other amenities include two full-service eateries, a coffee shop and bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a cinema and entertainment center, bikes you can borrow, and marina access.

Lake Lawn Resort

In the greater Lake Geneva area, find Lake Lawn Resort . "Lake Lawn Resort is a great place to spend the weekend, with a beautiful setting on Delavan Lake. There's quite a bit to do: You can golf, get a treatment at the spa, and take a boat ride. Plus, there's a newly designed restaurant, 1878, with lake views," Krause shares. Lake Lawn's 250 acres include two miles of Delavan Lake shoreline and 271 guest rooms with a balcony or patio. 

Best Things to Do 

Geneva lake shore path.

One of Geneva Lake's main attractions is the public walking path. Krause explains that “the Shore Path is an amazing piece of living history. The path encircles the entire lake and is nearly 22 miles around, so most people walk just a portion of it at a time.”

You can see historic turn-of-the-century estates up close and modern new homes. “You walk through the lakefront yards of these homes. We don’t know of any other lake in the United States with this type of public access,” Krause says. 

Black Point Estate and Gardens 

"Set on the highest natural point of Geneva Lake, Black Point Estate is a historic house museum on the lake's southern shore," Hill says. The previous owners donated this summer residence to the state of Wisconsin for public enjoyment, and it's now recognized for its architectural significance on the National Historic Register. You can only access the Queen Anne-style home via Geneva Cruise Line's 3.5-hour private tour.

Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes Observatory , the birthplace of modern astrophysics, is one of the country's most important ground-based observatories. And it almost became condos. Thankfully, a group of dedicated locals and summer residents intervened to save the storied structure from demolition.

Krause expands: “Yerkes Observatory is housed in a grand, historic building with beautiful architecture … we are so grateful that it has been saved from the wrecking ball and development, and now open to the public for tours and events. Einstein was here! I’ve been on the tour a few times, and I love seeing the telescope and hearing about our local contribution to astronomic discoveries.” 

Mail Boat Run

Geneva Lake is one of only a handful of places in the U.S. that still offers mail service by boat. Join the 2.5-hour Mail Boat Run for an iconic area activity. The boat traverses the lake and makes about 50 mail drops.

“I’ve been on the mail boat tour several times. It looks so challenging to jump on and off the piers! But it’s a lot of fun to watch, and the residents get into it, too, waiting on the pier with kids or their dogs," Krause says. "Between stops, the mail jumper tells you about our lakefront history.” It's only offered in the summer from June 15 through Sept. 15, so plan your visit accordingly.

Big Foot Beach State Park

This 271-acre state park boasts five miles of hiking trails, a family campground, a picnic area, a swimming beach, and a playground. For excellent fishing, visit the on-site lagoon, a replica of Geneva Lake.

It's a special spot for Krause. “We originally moved to Lake Geneva because my dad became superintendent at Big Foot Beach. So we grew up enjoying the park as a family, taking walks, grilling out, and learning to cross-country ski in the winter,” she says. "Today, I take walks through the park with friends. Visitors love the open areas for big picnics, just across the street from the beach.” 

Geneva Lake

One of Wisconsin's largest and deepest inland lakes, Geneva Lake is renowned for its cleanliness and gorgeous aquamarine hue — take advantage of it if you visit in the summer. Clearwater Outdoor offers kayak and standup paddleboard rentals. Hill suggests renting a motorboat, too. ​"It's a pretty large lake, about 5,000 acres, so renting a boat allows you to see more than paddling can. People love to rent pontoons, especially families," she says.

The Lake Geneva area is a golfer's delight. The two most notable spots are the Grand Geneva, which has two courses, and the Geneva National, which has three courses (one is reserved for members). If you can’t swing a tee time at these elite courses, plenty of other options exist. 

Oakfire Pizza

Oakfire Pizza is a must-visit for its wood-fired pizzas and inventive pasta. “I love Oakfire Pizza — the rustic décor, lake views, and the open floor plan. The bartenders craft creative cocktails, and we always share cheese curds, salad, and pizza," says Krause.

Helmed by Chef Simon Cumming, Sopra in Lake Geneva embraces Italian-American influences and seasonal products. “This is our top fine dining option right now. The food is fantastic, very eclectic," Hill says.

Simple Food Group Café, Market, and Bakery 

“ Simple Café is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s our go-to when we have guests from out of town because there’s something for every foodie and dietary restriction, and the menu changes seasonally,” says Krause. The cafe focuses on artisan products from southeastern Wisconsin producers.

Located on the Williams Bay side of the lake, Pier 290 provides an outdoor bar, sandy beach, fire pits, and a beautiful backdrop for a waterfront meal. "One of my favorite spots is Pier 290, the only restaurant directly on Geneva Lake. And it's actually built next to the working shipyard of Gage Marine, which just celebrated its 150th anniversary on the lake," Hill says.

Krause agrees: "Pier 290 is our special occasion destination, and by that, I mean birthdays, good days at work, or just a random Wednesday. We prefer the outdoor and tented seating, even in the winter. They have live music nearly every weekend, and the gift shop is not to be missed."

Though there's reason to visit Lake Geneva year-round, the traditional summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is the most popular as the weather is warm and kids are out of school. But if you don't have to worry about school schedules, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer mild weather and more affordable prices. The Geneva Lakes Boat Show at the Abbey , a showcase of vintage and classic boats from around the country, is popular in the fall.

Winter is also a special time to visit. According to Hill, “​Our busiest weekend of the year, and one of the most fun, is Winterfest weekend.” Every year, during the first week of February, Lake Geneva hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. “Teams fly in from all over the country, and they craft these massive, massive forms [in] downtown Lake Geneva … it is just a hoot,” Hill says.

The snowy season also allows for Nordic skiing, downhill skiing , ice fishing, and ice boating, when sailboats on metal runners glide on the frozen lake. “Hanging out at Chuck’s on a Saturday afternoon in the winter to watch ice boats is a rite of passage,” Hill says. 

Lake Geneva is 80 miles from Chicago and 40 miles from Milwaukee. If you're flying in from outside the region, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) are your best bets, though MKE is preferable — it's closer to Lake Geneva and you'll encounter less traffic than if you drive from Illinois.

The Lake Geneva area doesn't have public transportation, so you need a car. Rent a vehicle at MKE or O’Hare . Milwaukee earns convenience points for an on-site rental car operation, while O’Hare provides free, 24-hour shuttle service to the rental car parking structure.

Related Articles

Visit of the Geneva Observatory with Michel Mayor

8 February 2022, 18:30 to 20:00

18:30 Welcoming remarks by:

• Yves Flückiger , Rector, University of Geneva
• Francesco Pepe , Director, Geneva Observatory
• Raymond Loretan , President, Diplomatic Club of Geneva

18:40 Presentation by  Michel Mayor , 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics and Q&A session with the audience

19:00 Visit of the Geneva Observatory

19:45 “Friendship” drink

Event organized in partnership with the University of Geneva.

FPG Network

Observatoire Chronométrique +

Observatories, greenwich observatory 1675.

The Greenwich observatory and the Astronomer royal were founded both together the 22th of June in 1675, on orders from the King Charles II of England.

It was the first time, in England, that a building was dedicated to a scientific research organization. Scientific tools applied to stars tables, but also time measurements tools and thereafter the nautical almanac form his Majesty were available. 

For a long time, English astronomers worked within the Royal Observatory to establish their measures: 4 separate meridians have been drawn inside the building. The starting point of the longitude (the prime meridian) was fixed in 1851 and validated during an international meeting in October 1884.  At the beginning, the prime median went through the observatory and was marked up with a copper strip on the yard followed by a stainless steel one. Since the 16th of December 1999, it is marked by a powerful green laser light, shining during the night in London northwards.

http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

Geneva observatory 1772

A famous and engaged scientific community was living in Geneva by end of the 18th century. The horological industry, on booming, was the key pillar of Geneva economy. The focal point between the need for the industry to determinate an accurate time and for the astronomy enlargement, explain the motivated decision to create the Geneva observatory on 1772, under the responsibility of Jacques-André Mallet. From the beginning, the observatory was able to take a close look on the accuracy provided by the watchmakers.

Over the years, watchmakers was able to appreciate the benefits and reputation to be considered as the best on the top. In 1872, to improve the achievements already well-known in Geneva horology world, the industry and trade boards of company of arts recommended the Geneva observatory, for the arbitration of the chronometers adjustments competitions from 1872 to 1968.

http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/f/F8255.php

Geneva observatory – The “observatoire chromométrique+”

Nowadays, our “Observatoire chromométrique+” laboratory is responsible to deliver extracts of registers on chronometers competitions. 

Antique shops, auctions sales companies and collectors are highly interested by the achievements of chronometers that participated to competitions in our laboratory.

http://obswww.unige.ch/chronometrie

Neuchâtel observatory 1858

Neuchâtel observatory was founded in 1858 by the public economy department of Neuchâtel canton. Its main objectives were to determinate astronomy commitment, to transmit Hour, to control chronometers and also astronomy research.

Besançon observatory 1884

The observatory construction started in 1883 to be inaugurated on the 16th of August 1884. By end of 1885, a board was created bringing 5 members appointed by the union house of the horological manufacturers. Today, most of companies located in this area work in close coordination with the observatory. An increase of chronometers submitted for the testing has been noticed.

262.245.7000

Yerkes Observatory

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Follow in the Steps of Albert Einstein

You can count your lucky stars, because Yerkes Observatory is just four miles from Geneva National, allowing visitors the opportunity to test their celestial vision and marvel at the Roman brick-and-terracotta building’s late 19th century architecture and mythological ornamentation. Founded in 1897, the astronomical observatory is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, a 24-inch and 40-inch reflecting telescope and more than 170,000 photographic plates precisely detailing star locations. Known to this day for its research and popular for its educational tours, star parties and summer day camps, Yerkes also attracts building and landscape architects as well as photographers to its 77 acres designed by John Olmsted, whose brother was the landscape architect for New York's Central Park. Visit the website for up-to-date tour times, special events and to make reservations for an observing session.

373 W. Geneva St, Williams Bay WI

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Mont Salève

Geneva Tourism Quai du Mont-Blanc 2 1201 Genève Phone  +41 (0)22 909 70 00 geneve.com

Geneva’s local mountain lies 900 metres above the Jet d’Eau – on French soil but very much part of Geneva’s identity. The mountain has been accessible by rail for over 120 years and offers impressive views over the canton of Geneva to the Jura, and on a clear day to Mont Blanc.

From 1887, a steam-powered tram ran directly from Geneva to the foot of the Salève. After 1894, passengers could change there and board the romantic carriages of the electric cog railway that climbed along the rock face to the ridge. Today, you can take the cable car from Le Pas de l’Echelle (Veyrier) to Mont Salève in just five minutes. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Geneva and the Lake Geneva basin with the Jura in the background. To the south-east you can even see the Alps and the Mont Blanc massif. Hiking trails from the upper station take you to the observatory a further 150 metres up. The Salève is also famous for its many rocky passages, some of which are official hiking trails, others merely paths that are really only suitable for those with a head for heights  

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Geneva Tourism Quai du Mont-Blanc 2 1201  Genève Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)22 909 70 00 Fax +41 (0)22 909 70 11 [email protected] geneve.com Facebook Twitter Show Route

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Geneva welcomes summer and takes on the air of a unique urban resort. Find out how to enjoy summer in Geneva, for the sporty, the farniente specialists, the paddle boat aficionados and the aperitif lovers among you!

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Terraces, flip-flops and swimsuits, Geneva dons a summer dress…

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33rd edition - June 21, 22, and 23, 2024

GENÈVE GENÈVE

Major summer event around the lake in Geneva, August 14-18.

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From 22 June to 23 August 2024. Free concerts all summer at the Scène Ella Fitzgerald in the majestic green setting of Parc La Grange. Accessible to everyone

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20-21 July 2024, the LAKE PARADE returns this year for the second year running since the health crisis. As with every edition, the 3 events will take centre stage

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Geneva, where eating and drinking transcend into an art form. Geneva restaurants offer an exquisite array of gourmet options, from traditional Swiss delicacies to innovative international cuisine.

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Yerkes Observatory

Tours available Thursdays-Mondays from May till October and two to three days a week during the shoulder seasons. Tickets available ONLINE ONLY . Click HERE for more information and to reserve your tour or event. 

Hello, 2024! WE ARE OPEN! Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics, is an architectural masterpiece on fifty acres of Olmsted-designed ecological splendor. Since 1897, Yerkes has been the home and school to famous astronomers, Nobel prize winners, and renowned scientists but we're now open for public tours, observing nights, star parties, weddings, exhibits, trail walks, and more. The world-famous Observatory's beautiful location in Williams Bay, Wisconsin is only twelve minutes from downtown Lake Geneva. We are on a new voyage under the stewardship of Yerkes Future Foundation, a nonprofit 501c3. All proceeds go to the restoration, preservation, and programs of this international landmark of astronomy, architecture, and landscape design. Don't miss these behind-the-scenes, out of this world, restoration tours! For further information,  please visit our website.

• Number of Meeting Rooms: 4
• Price Range: $$
• Level of Difficulty: Medium
• Largest Group Capacity: 100 indoor and 300 outdoor

Facility Info

• Reception Capacity 150
• Banquet Capacity 150
• Number of Rooms 5
• Classroom Capacity 130

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Event: Moon and Mocha Night (March 20, 8-9:30 p.m.)

We have made the decision to hold the event tonight, March 20, 8-9:30 p.m.  The Geneva Community is invited to view the moon at the John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory through our telescope. Come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while you view the heavens.  ( Weather Permitting,  Check this page prior to the event to learn whether or not the event will take place.)

Event: Moon and Mocha Night - April 15, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

The event will take place tonight (April 15). Geneva College is hosting a series of events at its John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory. The Geneva Community is invited to come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while you view the heavens. We have reserved April 16 and 17 as rain dates.

Background of Astronomy Observing at Geneva

Planned uses of the observatory, research projects, technical specifications of equipment.

• Fundraising Needs

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4

The John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory is named in honor of the father of Mr. John Schaefer, Emeritus Professor of Physics at Geneva, who retired in 2012 after a 50 year career at Geneva. The observatory is located to the west of the campus baseball field on 33rd Street. It consists of a 10’ domed structure to house the main 16” telescope and a control building for computers and storage of other observing equipment.  The open field next to the dome can be used for viewing events with smaller portable telescopes for classes and the public.

Because of an unusually large class studying Astronomy, The Geneva Cabinet makes the case for procuring a telescope for the college in November of 1881, "The time has now come when we can no longer do without this important instrument…A telescope placed (with permission) upon the college grounds could be made the source of immense satisfaction and profit, not only to those and other students, but to amateurs and visitors outside the college" ( The Cabinet , November, 1881, p. 2.). It is clear that the subject of Astronomy has been of great interest to students of Geneva College throughout the years, and many have had the opportunity to observe and learn about the handiwork of God in the classroom.

Recently, several faculty at Geneva have discovered the Brashear 6” refracting telescope on a wooden tripod that seems to be over 90 years old in a storage room. After some investigation by Geneva's Archival Librarian Kae Kirkwood, it became known that the telescope had been donated to the college in 1915.

Cabinet articles from 1915 reveal, "A fine new telescope, valued at $700, is placed in the Science Hall as a gift of a loyal friend of Geneva who wishes his name withheld. This is a replacement for the old telescope which was lost in the fire which destroyed Science Hall several years ago, leaving the Astronomy classes seriously crippled in their work. The new instrument is a great improvement over the one that was destroyed. It was built by the John A. Brashear company of North Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. This object gives beautiful views of the moon and the comets, and its light collecting power is so perfect as to bring out the ring system of the planet Saturn in great detail, showing the inner, or crepe ring. The eye piece gives magnification from 300 down to 65 diameters, so that observations may be made of the moon, planets, double stars, clusters, and nebulas." The article further describes efforts to build a small observatory, "It is the purpose of the college authorities to build an Observatory in the near future and to mount this fine instrument in permanent form" ( The Cabinet , March, 1915, p. 4; April, 1915, p. 9.). Though much has changed since 1915, Geneva continues to build upon the astronomical legacy of former generations.

Beginning in the early 1960s when John Schaefer joined the faculty, a regular course in Astronomy was re-introduced into the college catalog, and a fenced viewing platform was included on the roof of the 1966 S&E addition. Evening viewing sessions with a 6” Newtonian telescope were a regular feature in the late 1970s, led by physics student John Hill, now a professional astronomer with the Large Binocular Telescope project in Arizona. However, to fast forward a few decades, the roof of S&E ceased to be a satisfactory viewing area as campus lighting was improved and surrounding trees grew tall enough to block the view.

In the mid-1990s, faculty members John Schaefer and John Stein obtained a small grant from the National Science Foundation to build a small block structure next to Alumni Hall to house a 10” reflector telescope. This was intended as a proof-of-concept structure, and was successfully used for student projects and also to develop an Observational Astronomy course. In 2005, this structure was dismantled to make way for campus improvements, and the lessons learned were incorporated into the current observatory design. During this time, a major memorial gift was given in memory of John Paul Schaefer, the father of Professor John Schaefer. Also, John Stein successfully obtained grant funds from the Extrasolar Planetary Foundation to purchase a larger telescope. These funds, together with other alumni contributions, have made the present observatory possible.

The main 16” telescope will be used for a variety of student projects and for faculty research. Within the general Astronomy class, students will take accurate measurements of shadow lengths on the moon and do calculations to find the height of mountains and crater rims. Observations of galaxies, binary stars, and moons within our solar system will also be possible. In the advanced Observational Astronomy class, higher level projects will be possible, including stellar photometry of variable stars, exoplanet transits and asteroid rotation curves.  In the field next to the observatory, which also has reasonably good viewing conditions, we will hold general viewing sessions with our portable telescopes (8” and 10” reflectors and maybe even the classic Brashear refractor) as well as binoculars and naked eye viewing of constellations and (as opportunity permits) comets. It is anticipated that open viewing nights will be held for the campus community, for alumni events and for the general public. Because the main 16” telescope will be computer interfaced, remote operation will be possible for advanced student projects and faculty research.

Two major types of research are planned at this time.  We are interested in using the telescope to monitor stars for variations in intensity over time which can provide evidence of the transit of a planet. “Exoplanets,” as they are called are generally too dim to be viewed directly, but detection will be possible using this “transit” technique.

The other research activity a telescope of this size can do relates to monitoring orbital changes in Near-Earth Objects (mostly asteroids whose orbits cross that of Earth). There is considerable interest in learning more about such objects in the wake of recent episodes of near-Earth approaches of asteroids.

We anticipate submitting a proposal to NASA to become a member station of NASA’s All Sky Fireball Network (a meteor tracking network), which would involve installing wide-angle cameras to monitor the whole sky.  For more information, see http://fireballs.ndc.nasa.gov/ .

Main Telescope Meade LX600 ACF

Computer Processor: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4Ghz w/8M cache Memory:   16GB DDR3 1600MHz (2-8GB) Hard Drives:   1.0 TB, Serial (2ea, fixed) and 10.0 TB (2ea, portable)

Software Starry Night MaxIm DL ASCOM Platform 61

Portable Telescopes 10” Meade LX200 (Classic) 8”  Meade LX90 ACF 6”  Brashear Refractor

Dome manufacturer ExploraDome

Fundraising needs

The observatory is nearly operational for ordinary viewing, having been built with existing funds and the help of Geneva’s physical plant staff. Eyepiece viewing is possible now. However, for the full project to be completed, the telescope will need cameras and additional scientific instrumentation.  The specific items needed and their costs appear in the table below. Specific contributions to help acquire any of these items would benefit a new generation of physics, computer science, and engineering students who are fascinated with the heavens.

* SBIG: The Santa Barbara Instrument Group ** JMI Telescopes *** Diffraction Limited **** CCDWare

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Tassos fragkos.

Fragkos , Tassos

Assistant Professor at the Geneva Observatory

Dr. Tassos Fragkos was a CIERA Postdoc 2014 – 2018.

Following his time at CIERA, Dr. Fragkos became an SNSF Ambizione Fellow at the Geneva Observatory.

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