Jump to Section events About Directions Astronomy Club Contact discover the stars! The Jackson College Astronomical Observatory opens up a window to the universe, offering students and the community an incredible opportunity to explore the night sky. Whether you’re a student diving into astronomy, a space enthusiast, or just someone who loves to stargaze, this observatory provides a front-row seat to the cosmos. Events Viewing Nights Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 – 11 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Enjoy stargazing through our telescope! VIEWING NIGHT STATUSWednesday, July 15: Closed due to poor Sky Transparency. A Stellar Day in Jackson August 12 – 13 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. Astronomical Observatory Join three Jackson attractions for a fun, communitywide day celebrating astronomy! Participating locations: Jackson College Astronomical Observatory Ella Sharp Museum Dahlem Center Schedule: Jackson… View event Lunar Eclipse August 27 – 28 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Astronomical Observatory The Astronomical Observatory will be open for people to enjoy views of the Moon as it slips behind the Earth's shadow! View event About the Observatory At Jackson College, the stars aren’t just overhead—they’re within reach. The observatory was born from a bold vision to ignite curiosity and bring science to life. With a state-of-the-art CDK700 telescope housed in a rotating, ADA-accessible dome, it offers breathtaking views of the cosmos and a hands-on gateway to discovery. Built in partnership with local innovator PlaneWave Instruments, the observatory is more than a place to stargaze—it’s a launchpad for learning. From college courses to public viewing nights and community events, it invites students and neighbors alike to explore, connect, and dream bigger. Directions The Astronomical Observatory is located on Jackson College’s Central Campus in Jackson, Michigan. Visitors can enter through either of the two main campus entrances—off Emmons Road or Browns Lake Road—and follow the directional signage to the observatory. Parking is available next to the facility for easy access. Address: 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI 49201 view campus map join the astronomy club! Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the cosmos, the Jackson College Astronomy Club is your place to connect, explore, and learn. Members enjoy exclusive access to observatory events, telescope nights, and hands-on activities that bring the universe a little closer. interest form Astronomy Club Documents Upcoming Astronomy Club Events June 6, 2026 Telescope Design 6 – 7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. June 6, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. June 9, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. June 20, 2026 Telescope Design 6–7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. June 20, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. June 23, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. July 7, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. July 18, 2026 Telescope Design 6–7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. July 18, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. July 21, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. August 1, 2026 Telescope Design 6–7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. August 1, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. August 4, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. August 15, 2026 Telescope Design 6–7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. August 15, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. August 18, 2026 Solar Imaging 1–2 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Take images of the Sun and track its activity. August 29, 2026 Telescope Design 6–7 p.m.Astronomical Observatory Design and build a $300 telescope and create a blueprint others can follow. August 29, 2026 Planetary Imaging SunsetAstronomical Observatory Capture stunning images of planets and share them with the community. contact Marlow, Travis Astronomical Observatory Coordinator marlowtravisd@jccmi.edu 517.990.1486
A Stellar Day in Jackson August 12 – 13 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. Astronomical Observatory Join three Jackson attractions for a fun, communitywide day celebrating astronomy! Participating locations: Jackson College Astronomical Observatory Ella Sharp Museum Dahlem Center Schedule: Jackson… View event
Lunar Eclipse August 27 – 28 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Astronomical Observatory The Astronomical Observatory will be open for people to enjoy views of the Moon as it slips behind the Earth's shadow! View event
