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
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Telescopes
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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. |
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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 |
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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) |
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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