Observatory Status
Collins Observatory is now closed for regular Monday public observing nights until September. We will reopen on the Monday after Labor Day in September, weather permitting. I hope all of you have a great and healthy summer.
Note: Collins Observatory will be open to all SSU students, faculty, and staff, and non SSU individuals. Masks are no longer required in the observatory.
Please check back on this site for any changes, or updates about openings, or COVID-19 protocols in the future.
Collins Observatory is normally open on CLEAR, or MOSTLY CLEAR Mondays from 7-10 PM, or later depending upon the time of sunset. We’re open during the school year from September to May, and are closed on school holidays, when the school is on vacation, mandated closings, and during the summer. It is also available for special group visits during the year when feasible.
The observatory houses a Meade 12-inch LX-200 ACF telescope, which does fairly well in the light polluted skies over Salem.
Please call the observatory at 978-542-6452, if you’re coming from a distance, as the weather is a bit unstable this close to the ocean.
Notes:
What’s up tonight?
- Enjoy the many constellations in the night sky, if you can get away from the local lights.
Visit us: Map
Located on Rt. 114, ( Lafayette St. ) in Salem, MA.
Parking has improved – we suggest you attempt to use the new parking garage in the lower student parking lot, or the street, which is RT. 114, in front of Meier Hall. Meier Hall is the second building from the faculty parking area “A”, and next to the school theater. Enter through the front door on RT. 114. Go down the hall to the back of the building and take a left. There is an elevator about thirty feet down from there on your right. Go on the elevator and press floor “P” (sixth floor). Turn right upon leaving the elevator. Turn left after the double hall doors and go out the glass doors to the roof. Take the stairs on the left to the observatory.