Jefferson College Observatory in Hillsboro, MO

A partnership between Jefferson College and the St. Louis Astronomical Society

Overview

Monthly "Aim for the Stars" programs (download 2024 Brochure)

Monthly "AIM FOR THE STARS" programs are held on Sunday following the 3rd Saturday of each month.  All in-person programs start at Sunset.

Designed to appeal to community members of all ages, the “Aim for the Stars” events provide an overview of plans for the Jefferson College Observatory including a site tour, training on how to read a star map, library telescope and binocular training, a meteorite exhibit, live telescope viewing, laser guided constellation tours, and previews of upcoming astronomy events of interest. Each observation night will be held in-person at the observatory site depending on weather. During each event, the dome and 16-inch telescope will be used for public viewing of planets and stars. The 1,800 sq-ft observatory patio will be available to those who want to bring their own telescopes and binoculars for family viewing.

  • Sunday Night Star Parties for 2024 (3rd Saturday of each month): 1/20, 2/17, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, 8/17, 9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/21 (all events start at sunset)
  • In case of inclement weather where live telescope viewing is not possible, a cancellation notice will be posted on this website page no later than the day of the event.

Other events at the Jefferson College Observatory

The Jefferson College Observatory is used by Jefferson College and the St. Louis Astronomical Society to host other events. Some of these events are open to the public while other events, such as events for schools and scouts, are private. For observatory events scheduled by the St. Louis Astronomical Society, please check our Calendar for events.  

Public access to the Jefferson College Observatory

If not being used by Jefferson College or the St. Louis Astronomical Society, the Jefferson College Observatory patio is available for public use at no charge.  Use of the St. Louis Astronomical Society's observatory dome and telescope is restricted to trained operators of Jefferson College staff and the St. Louis Astronomical Society. 

For security concerns related to the Observatory, please call the Jefferson College Police Department at (636) 481-3500.

How to find the Observatory

Located in the heart of Jefferson County, the convenient location of the observatory site on the campus of Jefferson College draws visitors from Jefferson County and surrounding counties. The convenient, centralized location of Jefferson College is well known to the residents and K-12 educators in the area encouraging them to visit often. Visitors from the St. Louis regional area will find the observatory just a 30-minute drive on southbound on Missouri Route 21 ("Highway 21") from the road’s intersection to Interstate 270 in West St. Louis County.

To find the observatory on the campus of Jefferson College, click this Google map link: https://tinyurl.com/JCObservatory. 

Clear Sky Clock

To view a "Clear Sky Clock" which helps astronomers evaluate observing conditions for the observatory, please click here.

For Questions

For questions about the Observatory, please contact us.

 

History and Growth of the Jefferson College Observatory

Donations Welcome

Help us fund our next expansion phase.  Commemorative Meteorite Packages are available:  Learn more. 

To find the observatory location on the college campus, click this Google map link: https://tinyurl.com/JCObservatory

The St. Louis Astronomical Society ("SLAS") has partnered with Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri to develop an astronomical observatory on the campus of the college. The observatory is designed to engage the community to learn more about the science of astronomy and physics.  Regular stargazing and solar viewing events for the general public are hosted by the college staff and members of SLAS.  A patio viewing area is open for 24/7 access by amateur astronomers and enthusiasts to explore the night sky and our closest star, the Sun. Well-publicized astronomical events in the media such as eclipses, transits, comets and meteor showers are expected to draw large audiences.

The observatory is being built in phases with implementation determined by available funding.   

The first phase of the observatory was officially opened on September 12, 2021, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  This phase includes an "observatory dome” owned by SLAS that houses a permanently mounted 16-inch telescope with a motorized dome, and “pads” with electric hookup for the public and amateur astronomers to use their personal equipment. The observatory features several observatory buildings equipped with ready-to-use telescopes of sufficient aperture (light gathering ability) to allow for college level research.  Educators and students of K-12 schools are encouraged to make use of the observatory for educational projects.  Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society are able to use the observatory to host public and private events.  Port-a-potties are available for use by the public until permanent restrooms can be funded.

Future construction plans include a wall designed to shield vehicle headlights, additional buildings large enough to house telescopes ranging up to 30” in aperture and host 10-15 visitors at a time, telescopes mounted in each building, and restroom facilities.  Project funds will be raised from public donations, grants, and corporate sponsors. 

SLAS Purchase of Dome and Telescope

In conjunction with the development of this observatory, the Board and membership of SLAS purchased from the Jim Moody Family a Sirius Observatory, Meade 16” LX200GPS telescope, mount and pier, electronic focuser and associated equipment for $15,000. An additional $1,000 was set aside for necessary expenditures related to moving and making operational the observatory on campus. The purchased observatory will remain SLAS property and responsibility and will be hosted on the campus of Jefferson College. Members have full access and shared usage rights to the observatory.

Architectural Rending of Observatory Site

 

Learn More