Built in 1900 and expanded in 1906, 1966, and 2010, the Whitin Observatory is a beloved campus landmark and highly esteemed undergraduate astronomy facility.
With a rich history rooted in the College’s earliest years, the Observatory is the spiritual home for generations of astronomy students. Enjoying a library, seminar rooms, and interdepartmental teaching and computer labs, the Observatory welcomes amateur stargazers and future trailblazers.
Our equipment
Primary telescopes include a PlaneWave 0.7-meter reflector, a Fitz/Clark 12-inch refractor, and a Clark 6-inch refractor. Additional equipment includes a Hale spectrohelioscope to study the solar spectrum and a fleet of Meade 8-inch reflectors for observation, digital imaging, and astrophotography.
Public events
About once per month during academic semesters, the student-run A.S.T.R.O. Club hosts public nights, when the Observatory is open to all Wellesley students, faculty, staff, and their families and friends, plus local town residents. Visitors can take a tour, listen to talks, and (when clear) look through the historic 12-inch and 6-inch refracting telescopes. Public nights are free and take place regardless of weather conditions. Please note that the entrances to the 12-inch and 6-inch telescopes require walking up a few steps.
Visitors must park in the Davis Parking Facility and walk to the Observatory. Accessible parking spaces are located near the Science Center.
