Crane Observatory
The Physics & Astronomy Department houses and operates the Crane Observatory, which is open to the public during scheduled open observing sessions. These sessions are free, and are open to all ages. Crane Observatory is located on the fourth floor of Stoffer Science Hall. For more information, contact the department at 785.670.2141, or physics@washburn.edu.
| 11/14: We are expecting clear skies, so tonight's observatory open house will take place as scheduled, 6:30-8:00. We will be looking at the Moon and Saturn, and possibly Jupiter. Also, if you would like to arrive a couple minutes early, the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible for five minutes starting at 6:28. Hope to see you there! |
Planetarium
Stoffer Science Hall is also home to Washburn's Planetarium. At the planetarium, 30 visitors can see a projection of the night sky and learn more about the universe we live in. The planetarium is available for a limited number of school group presentations during the school year. The planetarium is located on the first floor of Stoffer. Contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy at 785.670.2146 to schedule a presentation.
Fall 2024 Observatory Open House Schedule
Below are the dates and times for this semester's public sessions in Crane Observatory, which will take place on Thursday nights. When it is too cloudy or windy to use the observatory, we will instead run shows in the planetarium. At least one hour before each observing session, we will post on this web page whether we will be in the observatory or the planetarium. Signs will also be posted on the doors of Stoffer Science Hall.
| August 22, 29 | 8:30 pm-10:00 pm |
| September 5, 12, 19, 26 | 8:00 pm-9:30 pm |
| October 3, 10, 17, 24 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm |
| November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12 |
6:30 pm-8:00 pm |
GET IN TOUCH WITH Physics & Astronomy Department
Physics & Astronomy Department
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 210
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.2141
physics@washburn.edu
engineering@washburn.edu
