The William D. McDowell Observatory is Open on Wednesdays, Year Round, Weather Permitting, Excluding Holidays.
Hours vary by season. September and October hours are 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Viewing sessions are for ages 10 and up. The Observatory is neither heated nor air conditioned so that the telescope will operate properly. Please dress for the weather.
Please call the Observatory Hotline on Wednesdays at 201-460-4001 for operating status. The hotline will be updated by 4 p.m.
What You’ll See
Directions
Planning Your Visit:
- The Observatory holds up to 15 people at one time. Arriving at the start of the evening is recommended to minimize wait time.
- While visitors wait to enter the Observatory, staff will discuss the telescope, what will be visible and other aspects of astronomy.
- There is no fee and advance sign-up is not necessary.
- To access the Observatory, a visitor must be able to climb a 25-step, spiral staircase. The stairs have railings on either side, approximately 2 feet apart.
About the Telescope
- The hand-made, research grade Classical-Cassegrain telescope has a 20-inch mirror and is housed within a six-meter retractable dome. The telescope is capable of viewing objects millions of light years away.
- The telescope is capable of seeing the moon, planets and their moons, nebulas, star clusters, individual stars, and galaxies.
Background
- The NJSEA William D. McDowell Observatory opened to the public on Sept. 8, 2008.
- The Observatory is operated through a partnership between the NJSEA and Bergen Community College.
- The Observatory’s namesake, William D. McDowell, was the first Executive Director of the agency, serving from 1972-1978.
For more information email info@njsea.com or call 201-460-1700.