MLSW Observatory

The two-story observatory, topped with a five-meter dome, hosts an educational poster gallery on the ground floor, complete with a 70-inch video display that streams the celestial observations from the telescope above in real-time. Ascending the octagonal stairway brings visitors to the observation deck, where a state-of-the-art robotic 610mm f/6.5 corrected Dall-Kirkham PlaneWave reflecting telescope awaits, alongside a superior refractor telescope. This telescope is adaptable for various astronomy pursuits, with the option to attach visual observing, CMOS, and CCD imaging cameras, photometric filters, and spectroscopy equipment. Such versatility facilitates all sorts of astronomical fun, from leisurely stargazing to advanced astrophotography and astronomy research.

During public star-watches, additional telescopes are available in the field around the observatory for visual observing, including a 130mm Takahashi refractor, a 350mm CDK reflector, and a massive 25” Obsession Dobsonian reflector.

During daytime programs, visitors can observe the Sun’s surface in detail through a Lundt Solar Telescope, watch sunspots traverse the disk with a Heliostat, or listen to the radio noise of solar storms through a dual dipole radio telescope and projected spectrogram.

Special programs feature professional astronomers and graduate students who describe the latest discoveries and answer questions.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and the natural beauty of Moosehead Lake ensures a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit, whether you're there for a casual evening under the stars or a more in-depth astronomical adventure.

Stargazing Fun

The BIG SCREEN on the first level makes it easy for visitors to see what the telescope above sees real-time. If you’ve had trouble looking through a telescope eyepiece before, our big screen allows you to comfortably appreciate everything from star clusters to planets to galaxies to beautiful nebula.

And our staff can explain the big image in detail so that everyone sees and learns together!