Oakley Observatory
Funded with a $500,000 gift from the Oakley Foundation in Terre Haute, Oakley Observatory houses eight permanently mounted telescopes. The telescopes include a 6-inch Clark refractor, an 8-inch Fecker reflector, and six Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain optical systems. Each pier has parallel, serial and Internet connections along with electrical outlets. From the Oakley Observatory, students can also remotely operate telescopes in the Southern Sky Observatory, located in Australia. Located in the woods on the east side of campus, the observatory opened in 2000 to serve faculty, students and community residents who have an interest in astronomy.
IAU Observatory Code 916
Latitude 39° 29° 2° North
Longitude 87° 18° 59° West
Elevation 178 m
Oakley Observatory Clear Sky Chart
For a current astronomer's forecast, follow this link. It shows when it will be cloudy or clear for up to two days. Very important info if you're hoping to look through a telescope!
Learn more about Oakley Observatory
Equipment Read about the telescopes at the Terre Haute observatory.
Southern Sky Observatory Find out about our observatory in Australia.
Research What are Rose-Hulman students working on?
History Learn the history of the Rose-Hulman observatory.
Acknowledgements Those we have to thank - and how you can help.
Contact How to arrange for a field trip or get other questions answered.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Oakley Observatory at Rose-Hulman is two-fold. The first mission is to provide our students with the opportunity to enrich their education through a hands-on experience in astronomy. Our second mission is to serve as an astronomical resource for the local community.
It is our belief that most people have a natural curiosity about the world in which we live, a particular interest in astronomical events, and an awe of the beauty and majesty of the universe. This is certainly true of Rose-Hulman students who are technically and scientifically oriented. It is the role of the Oakley Observatory to provide a means for Rose students to pursue their interest and curiosity.
The Oakley Observatory at Rose-Hulman will serve students enrolled in our astronomy and directed research courses. These courses are available to all Rose-Hulman students. The observatory also serves the Rose-Hulman Astronomical Society which consists of students from all majors who are interested in astronomy. And finally, the observatory serves the faculty and staff of Rose-Hulman and residents of Wabash valley who have an interest in astronomy. We will regularly host star parties for the local community. We will also host classes from local schools.