Theodor Jacobsen Observatory -- UW Astronomy

University of Washington
Astronomy Department

Theodor Jacobsen Observatory

{{ Information || Upcoming Topics || TJO Newsletter || History || Observatory in the News || Making a Difference || Past Presentations }}

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 views of the wonders of the Universe. The Observatory is now open to the public every first and third Wednesday, March 1 - November 30.

Here you will find information on opened nights, 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.

[Additional information concerning open houses, reservations, [INCLUDING CAMPUS FIGs], parking, etc.]

Where to find the Observatory.
Take a virtual walk through the observatory [animation 950 KB].

OPEN the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (except for December through February)

New Hours:
March: 7 - 9 pm
April through September: 9 - 11 pm
October, November: 7 - 9 pm
CLOSED: 19 Nov. and December through February

The talk is given about around 15 - 20 minutes after opening. If the sky is clear enough, the dome will be open for viewing objects through the ancient telescope. Additional exhibits and activities are found in the Transit Room and Pier Room. We will also have various small telescopes set up in the area just outside of the Observatory. TJO Flyer

Want to be updated on the observatory via email? Subscribe to our electronic mailing list (just put in 'Subscribe' for the subject line) and receive notice of special events and other news of interest, including notification of the upcoming issues of the Jacobsen Observatory Newsletter [New issue for Spring/Summer.]

For more information:

"Live Person Phone": 206.685.7856
(Dr. Ana Larson) E-Mail Contact:
larson -at- astro.washington.edu

Groups Welcome! Reservations strongly recommended for the talks (no reservations needed, though, for just viewing through the ancient 6-inch telescope or touring the rest of the Observatory). We usually get a full house for the talks nearly every open house. Information for making reservations for public visits.)
The talks of the open house season are given by undergraduates at the University of Washington, individuals who are either majoring in physics and astronomy or are in other majors but really enthusiastic about astronomy. The level of the talks varies with the topic. Some are geared more to the younger visitors; most are geared for high school level. Please come and lend your support. By being in the audience you will be taking part in the educational program at the U of W. Presentation Schedule for May - August May 7 -- Jeff Bowman -- Astrobiology: Astrobiology is the most exciting new science around! Jeff will be introducing us to the field and letting us know about the efforts to find life elsewhere in the solar system and the Galaxy. Jeff has also put together an exhibit on indentifying "alien microbes" that will be displayed in the TJO "pier room." May 21 -- Aaron Hossack -- The Invisible Universe: Run a rope from the Mexican border to the northern tip of Alaska, and our visible range of light is nothing more than a snip a couple of inches long cut out at the UW Physics and Astronomy Building. Aaron will talk about what these invisible wavelengths tell us about the Universe. June 4 -- Joel Leigh -- Black Hole Mergers: Could it possibly get any more violent than this? What is the evidence for black hole mergers? How often should this event occur? What are the ramifications for Earth, if any? June 18 -- Alison Snyder -- Stellar Fusion: Nature's Most Powerful Nuclear Reactors: The Sun's energy brings us life empowering warmth, but ever wonder where that energy comes from? Alison will be explaining stellar fusion in easy-to-understand terms and letting us know why those very massive stars live for such a short time compared to the Sun, even though they have a lot more fuel. July 16 -- TBD -- Jupiter, a colossal ball of hydrogen and helium, but not a star: The largest planet in our solar system is at opposition this summer, meaning it will be at its largest apparent size, the closest for the year, and at its brightest (3rd brightest, after the Sun and Moon). Come learn all about this behemoth, and observe it at its grandest. August 6 -- Stephanie Haire -- Quantum mechanics and the Many Worlds Interpretation: Just whispering the words "quantum mechanics" may draw shivers of incoherence in many of us, but Stephanie has the knack of being able to clearly explain the fundamentals as well as the fantastic foundations of quantum mechanics and how different interpretations can change our view of the Universe. You will learn a lot this evening. August 20 -- TBD -- September 3 -- TBD -- September 17 -- TBD --

Groups Welcome! Reservations strongly recommended for the talks (no reservations needed, though, for just viewing through the ancient 6-inch telescope or touring the rest of the Observatory). We usually get a full house for the talks nearly every open house. Information for making reservations for public visits.)

The talks of the open house season are given by undergraduates at the University of Washington, individuals who are either majoring in physics and astronomy or are in other majors but really enthusiastic about astronomy. The level of the talks varies with the topic. Some are geared more to the younger visitors; most are geared for high school level. Please come and lend your support. By being in the audience you will be taking part in the educational program at the U of W.
Presentation Schedule for May - August: May 7 -- Jeff Bowman -- Astrobiology: Astrobiology is the most exciting new science around! Jeff will be introducing us to the field and letting us know about the efforts to find life elsewhere in the solar system and the Galaxy. Jeff has also put together an exhibit on indentifying "alien microbes" that will be displayed in the TJO "pier room."; May 21 -- Aaron Hossack -- The Invisible Universe: Run a rope from the Mexican border to the northern tip of Alaska, and our visible range of light is nothing more than a snip a couple of inches long cut out at the UW Physics and Astronomy Building. Aaron will talk about what these invisible wavelengths tell us about the Universe.; June 4 -- Joel Leigh -- Black Hole Mergers: Could it possibly get any more violent than this? What is the evidence for black hole mergers? How often should this event occur? What are the ramifications for Earth, if any?; June 18 -- Alison Snyder -- Stellar Fusion: Nature's Most Powerful Nuclear Reactors: The Sun's energy brings us life empowering warmth, but ever wonder where that energy comes from? Alison will be explaining stellar fusion in easy-to-understand terms and letting us know why those very massive stars live for such a short time compared to the Sun, even though they have a lot more fuel.; July 16 -- TBD -- Jupiter, a colossal ball of hydrogen and helium, but not a star: The largest planet in our solar system is at opposition this summer, meaning it will be at its largest apparent size, the closest for the year, and at its brightest (3rd brightest, after the Sun and Moon). Come learn all about this behemoth, and observe it at its grandest.; August 6 -- Stephanie Haire -- Quantum mechanics and the Many Worlds Interpretation: Just whispering the words "quantum mechanics" may draw shivers of incoherence in many of us, but Stephanie has the knack of being able to clearly explain the fundamentals as well as the fantastic foundations of quantum mechanics and how different interpretations can change our view of the Universe. You will learn a lot this evening.; August 20 -- TBD --; September 3 -- TBD --; September 17 -- TBD --

History

History of Astronomy at the University of Washington
History of the Telescope researched and written by Peter Abrahams
Operating Manual for the telescope
The UW Bamberg Transit Telescope by Katherine Blair (PDF 390 kb)

Observatory in the News

Making a Difference

You can make a difference in the undergraduate and outreach programs at the U of W. Your donation to the University of Washington "Friends of the Observatory" will go a long way towards maintaining the Observatory and providing the educational materials used there. These funds are also used to support visits by the astronomy undergraduates to local schools and organizations. Besides the Observatory, these undergraduates are active in building a radio observatory on campus, providing K-12 planetarium shows, organizing the Astronomy Club on campus open to ALL undergraduates, as well as working on their individual research projects. Send your check to "Friends of the Observatory," Astronomy Department, Box 351580, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1580.

^**Special thanks to Peter Hirtle of the Seattle Astronomical Society for all of his work in restoring the telescope drive and objective lenses, and making the reopening possible. Also special thanks to members of the SAS who continue to support our efforts.
Kudos to the undergraduate astronomy majors who grabbed brooms, vacuums, soap and water to clean the observatory; they have done a wonderful job of making the dome and pillar room presentable again. These students will be hosting the observing nights, including slide shows, tours, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

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