Join Dan Koehler, Director of Tours and Programs at Yerkes Observatory. The 40” refracting telescope is the largest ever built in the world. Amazingly Yerkes Observatory’s stunning Gothic Romanesque architecturally significant structure and telescope first opened in 1897.
Originally funded and operated by the university of Chicago, the 40” refracting telescope is open for public viewing, along with continuing scientific research.
Yerkes Observatory, situated in Williams Bay is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
From the University of Chicago’s Yerkes Observatory website:
Throughout the year, weather permitting, Yerkes Observatory offers evening observing sessions for visitors age 10 and up.
Participants have a unique opportunity to view at a variety of fascinating celestial objects through either 40-inch refractor or 24-inch reflector telescopes..
Held several times throughout the year, star parties are your chance to see amazing celestial objects through telescopes on the lawn, enjoy the constellations, and try out cool astronomy activities for the whole family.
Yerkes Observatory is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago. It was established in 1897 on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
Until the mid-1960's, Yerkes Observatory housed all of the Department's activities. Today the 77-acre, park-like site in southeast Wisconsin provides laboratory space and access to telescopes for research and instruction.
Yerkes Observatory occupies a unique niche for the educational and the scientific community.
It bridges several important perspectives in formal and informal education. The history of astronomy and astrophysics of the observatory is a solid foundation for introducing all the important topics in current research as well as the practice of observational astronomy.
There is a huge range of opportunities for learning. Because of Yerkes' historical context, the world of professional and student astronomers and astronomy educators is drawn to the observatory.
These communities learn from one another, build relationships, and create programs, which result in enriched experiences and learning opportunities for young and diverse members of our society.
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