In connection with the partnership between Jefferson College and the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS) to develop an astronomical observatory in phases on the Hillsboro campus, the College will host several community observation nights for those who want to learn more about astronomy.

The public is invited to look through telescopes provided by the College, SLAS, and amateur astronomers to learn more about this exciting new development for everyone in Jefferson County and the surrounding region. The educational events, called “Star Parties,” are free and open to all ages. Each observation night will be held at the Jefferson College Observatory site, located near the Softball Field on the Hillsboro campus, accessible from Jefferson College Drive. All events will be held on Sunday evenings, weather permitting.

2024 Program Dates: 

  • Sunday Night Star Parties for 2024: 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.

Those who attend may bring their own astronomy equipment or use a limited number of telescopes provided. For the events event to occur, skies must be clear or only partly cloudy.

In case of inclement weather, particular events will be cancelled and not rescheduled. For cancellation information, please visit this website or visit the Jefferson College Observatory Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCObservatory.  

Observatory Location

From St. Louis, travel South on Highway 21 to the Jefferson College/Hayden Road exit. Turn right onto Hayden Road and then left onto Jefferson College Drive. Farm Road will be approximately one-quarter mile on the right. The observatory’s purpose is to engage the community to learn more about the science of astronomy and physics. It will become the first public observatory in Jefferson County affiliated with SLAS. Regular stargazing and solar viewing events for the public will be hosted by Jefferson College and SLAS. A variety of events such as eclipses, transits, comets, and meteor showers are expected to draw large audiences. Educators and students of K-12 schools will be encouraged to make use of the observatory for educational projects. The observatory will be developed in phases over several years as funding is secured. Project funds will be raised from public donations, grants, and corporate sponsors. Project rollout will be determined by available funding for each phase.

Additional Information: