Olin Observatory


The Olin Observatory is available for Gustavus students and the public to enjoy. Please join us during observation hours when the sky is clear.

Olin Observatory clear sky chart and astronomy forecast

Click to view the full forecast in St. Peter! 

Curious about what's in the sky tonight? Go to this download the Stellarium app

Photo Credits: Arya Menk '25 and Grace Ntibonera '25, respectively.

Observatory Photos and Events

Northern lights from the Olin ObservatoryStudents at the Olin Observatory at night


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Star Party Novemer 2023

Telescopes


Meade LX600 10" f/8 Schmidt-Cassegrain with StarLock

Meade LX600 10" f/8 Schmidt-Cassegrain with StarLock
Focal length: 2032 mm
Power (with 26 mm focal length eyepiece): TBD
Diameter: 10 inches
Cost: $4,000
Note: It is similar to the LX200, but it is heavier to reduce vibrations and has a StarLock attached for more accurate navigation. 

 Meade LX200 10" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain 

 Meade LX200 10" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain 
Focal length: 2500 mm
Power (with 26 mm focal length eyepiece): 96x
Diameter: 10 inches
Cost: approx $3,000

Meade LX200 16" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain

Meade LX200 16" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain
Focal length: 4064 mm
Power (with 26 mm focal length eyepiece): 156x
Diameter: 16 inches
Cost: approx $16,000 (paid for by insurance after 1998 tornado)

Unistellar eVscope 2 Digital Telescope

 Unistellar eVscope 2 Digital Telescope
Optical Magnification: 50x
Digital Magnification: up to 400x (150x recommended)
Mirror Diameter: 4.5 inches
Focal Length: 450 mm
App Compatability: iOS and Android
Cost: approx $5,000.00
   

We acknowledge that Gustavus Adolphus College and Olin Observatory are located on the homelands of the Dakota people, whose spiritual traditions include the belief that this land, along with the creatures and people living on it, are their relatives. In spite of a traumatic history that includes forced removal and attempted extermination, Datoka people still live and practice their culture on these homelands today. No one owns the stars; they belong to everyone. 


Contact observatory managersg-olinobservatory@gustavus.edu 

Instagram @olin_observatory

Stay up to date with events and hours by subscribing to our Google Calendar events! Observatory Events