21.P Observatories and Planetariums

Astronomy Department

The Astronomy Department is home to the UM Lowbrow Astronomers, a group of amateur astronomers that run public open houses with a 24-inch optical telescope at Peach Mountain Observatory located in Dexter, Michigan. The Department is also part of the Magellan project to build the largest private ground-based optical telescope facility in the Southern Hemisphere, and has maintained large research projects around the world. The Angell Hall Observatory (on the roof of Angell Hall) was established in 1926-27 and, with the addition of new telescopes, still operates as student observatory for hands-on instruction. For more information, visit the website at <www.astro.lsa.umich.edu> or call 764-3440. Inquiries about Peach Mountain Observatory may be e-mailed to <dgs@umich.edu>.

The University of Michigan Detroit Observatory

The historic University of Michigan Detroit Observatory (circa 1854), located on the Ann Arbor Campus, is open at various times as a museum, hosts a monthly lecture series, and also serves as a scholarly center for the study of 19th century science, technology, and culture. This structure, located at 1398 E. Ann Street, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A historic restoration was completed in 1999. For more information, call 763-2230 or visit the website at: <www.DetroitObservatory.umich.edu>.

Planetarium

The Exhibit Museum of Natural History, located at 1109 Geddes Avenue, has a planetarium that offers weekend shows. For information, call 763-6085 or check the website: <www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/outreach/planetarium.php>.