The TCNJ Observatory is an impressive astronomical facility situated on The College of New Jersey’s campus comprised of two domes and telescopes. Our Celestron 11″ Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope is currently open for use by all astronomy classes as well as the general student population. This telescope serves as an excellent platform for both educational and recreational astronomical activities, allowing visitors to observe celestial objects such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. The TCNJ observatory provides students with a hands-on experience in observational astronomy as they capture detailed images of celestial objects and analyze astronomical data. The observatory is an integral part of the College’s academic program and is also a platform for public outreach, providing the community with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe and learn about astronomy.
The second dome over the Chemistry building hosts our 27″ telescope and is currently being used for research purposes. It is not available for public use.
Sidewalk Telescope: On clear weekend nights, community member Jeff Pinyon often sets up his 150mm telescope near Campus Town. All community members are encouraged to check out this unofficial member of our observatory! He aims to announce when he will be observing via Instagram: @NightSkyJeff. Observing with Jeff can oftentimes satisfy observation requirements for TCNJ students; be sure to verify with your instructor!
Important Note: The observatory is a large, metal dome which we open up to the night sky. It is not heated or cooled, and as such, it is just as cold or hot as the air outside. Please dress and plan accordingly!
First time here? Please check the FAQ section.