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. Missouri 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 Missouri that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in July 2024. 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.
Baker Observatory
The William G. and Retha Stone Baker Observatory was built in 1977 and is used for basic astronomy and astronomical techniques laboratories. It is maintained by Missouri State University and is located in Springfield, Missouri.
Telescopes and Equipment
The Baker Observatory has three permanently mounted telescopes: a 16” Cassegrain reflector, a 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain hybrid, and an 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain hybrid. The observatory is also home to a number of CCD detectors: a Princeton Instruments 1340x1300 pixel nitrogen-cooled camera on the 16” reflector, an Apogee Instruments, Inc. 512x512 pixel thermoelectrically-cooled camera on the 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain hybrid, and SBIG ST-6, 7, and 9 CCD detectors used on student telescopes.
Visiting
The observatory offers public viewing events hosted by the University’s Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science Department. It is free and happens on select nights during the academic school year. Visit this page for more information.
Image Credit: Baker Observatory
Crow Observatory
The Crow Observatory is located on the roof of Crow Hall at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. It is operated by the Department of Physics at the University.
Visiting
The observatory is open during the Spring and Fall academic semesters. As long as the weather permits, the observatory will be open Monday through Thursday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. Visitors who are not associated with the University should make prior arrangements for access to the building by calling the Department of Physics at (314) 935-6276.
Image Credit: Washington University Department of Physics
Laws Observatory
The Laws Observatory is located on top of the Astronomy and Physics building on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri.
Telescope
The observatory houses a 16” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and an astronomy exhibit room with memorabilia from NASA Mission Control.
Visiting
The Laws Observatory is open to the public every Wednesday night from 8pm to 10pm as long as the weather permits and as long as it is not a holiday.
Image Credit: Laws_Observatory via Instagram
Morrison Observatory
Central Methodist University is home to the Morrison Observatory. With the goal of bringing to life the popular-historical image of an observatory was built near Glasgow but was moved to Fayette, Missouri in 1935.
Telescopes
The Morrison Observatory has a 12 ½” refracting telescope as well as a 10” reflecting telescope.
Visiting
The observatory offers free guided sessions to the public on select Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.
Image Credit: Central Methodist University
Warkoczewski Observatory
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Department of Physics and Astronomy operated the Warkoczewski Observatory, more commonly known as Warko (var-ko). This observatory is located on the University’s campus in Kansas City, Missouri.
Telescopes
The Warkoczewski Observatory is home to a 16 ⅜”, hand-made Newtonian reflector, a 14” Meade LX200 computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector, and a Meade Coronado Solar telescope.
Visiting
The observatory opens its doors to the public on most clear Friday evenings, starting at dusk, from May 1st to October 31st. Visit this page for more information.
Image Credit: Joe Wright of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City
Wildhaven Observatory
The Wildhaven Observatory is located between Columbia and Hallsville, Missouri. The observatory became operational in the summer of 2010.
Image Credit: GoAstronomy.com
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
