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. Arkansas has an impressive number of 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 Arkansas 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.
Image Credit: www.arksky.org/
Arkansas Sky Observatory
Founded in 1971 by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, the Arkansas Sky Observatory is one of America’s oldest private research science and observatories. This observatory is located in Morrilton, Arkansas at Petit Jean Mountain.
Visiting
When visiting the Arkansas Sky Observatory, it is important to look at the provided calendar before traveling to the site.
Image Credit: Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University Observatory
GPS Coordinates: (35.295161111, -93.13631111)
The Arkansas Tech University Observatory is used primarily by students and faculty of Arkansas Tech University. This observatory is located in Russellville.
Visiting
The Arkansas Tech University Observatory is utilized by students and faculty and is open to the public for rare special events that will be advertised when appropriate and announced through their Facebook page.
Image Credit: Arkansas Times
River Ridge Observatory
45 W South Ridge Rd, Bigelow, AR 72016
The River Ridge Observatory is owned and operated by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society near Little Italy, Arkansas. Not only does this observatory include a dome, but it has a small classroom facility, a clubhouse, and an observing field with pads for portable scopes.
Telescope
Due to its affiliation with Arkansas Tech University, a 12” robotic telescope fitted with an ST-9 CCD camera is available for use.
Visiting
The River Ridge Observatory holds monthly program meetings on moonless Saturday evenings at 7 pm during daylight savings and 6 pm during central standard. The meetings are open to the public and have an optional meal (which requires an RSVP) before the meeting. Interested visitors should check the observatory’s calendar of events before visiting. Members of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society are allowed to use the observing site for personal observing, and a number of special observing events are organized for members as well.
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
This Article was Last Updated on 08/16/2023
