Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Alabama has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.
For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Alabama that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in February 2022. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.
UNA Observatory
N Pine St, Florence, AL 35630 - 256-765-4284
The UNA observatory, located in Florence, Alabama, was completed on March 15, 1964. This impressive observatory was a four-year effort from the local Florence Astronomy Club.
Image Credit: University of North Alabama
Telescope
The UNA Observatory houses a 14.5” telescope. This telescope is the second-largest telescope in the state!
Visiting
On specific nights, dictated by the calendar on the observatory’s website, the UNA Observatory offers the public a chance to participate in observatory activities. For only $3 per person (free to UNA students), the program consists of lectures on astronomy, a star show about the constellations, and a video or viewing session through the telescope. Reservations are not required, and the programming constantly changes based on upcoming sky events.
University of Alabama Observatory
174 6th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 - 205-461-3312
This observatory, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is part of the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Telescopes
The featured telescopes are the 16” and 17” telescopes located in Moundville Archaeological Park and the 20” “Big Little Telescope.”
Visiting
This observatory holds scheduled Public Nights. The schedule for these events can be found on the website, and admission is free.
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
This Article was Last Updated on 08/16/2023
