Welcome to the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Welcome to the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, the
second-oldest structure on the campus. Built in 1895, the
Observatory with its 110-year old refracting telescope is
still offering celestial views of the wonders of the Universe.
Here you will find information on opened nights, making reservations,
a history of the telescope, a history of astronomy at the UW, and even
an operating manual for the telescope. Come join us in a tour; there is no charge
to learn about and view the night sky!
Evening Public Shows
Wednesday evenings throughout the Spring, the Astronomy department will be
hosting public events at either the UW Planetarium or
the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory. The public viewing
at Jacobsen Observatory continues, as usual, through the summer and early fall:
- TJO Hours
- March: 7 - 9 pm
- April through September: 9 - 11 pm
- October, November (1st Weds only in Nov.): 7 - 9 pm
The talk on a given evening starts approximately minutes after opening and takes place in the classroom that adjoins the Observatory. If the sky is clear enough, the dome will be open for viewing celestial objects through the ancient telescope. Additional exhibits and activities are found in the Transit Room, Pillar Room, and outside. We will also have various small telescopes set up on the grounds of the Observatory and a scale model of our solar system. Reservations are strongly recommended for the talks; no reservations are needed to tour the Observatory and take part in the exhibits, activities, and viewing.
 Seattle Astronomical Society members operate the ancient refracting telescope in the dome and can find fascinating treasures of the night sky. Their members are an endless source of information and enthusiasm about astronomy.
TJO in the news
- The
Daily, May 10, 2002
- Undergrads
and Stargazing, University
Week, October 2001
- Columns
Magazine, March 2001, Letters
- Columns
Magazine, December 2000
- The
Daily, Oct. 25, 2000 (will not work using Netscape)
- Theodor
Jacobsen, University Week,
September 1999
- The
Daily, Jan. 25, 1999
- A
Collection of Images
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