North Dakota Historic Observatory

North Dakota Historic Observatory Northern Sky Astronomical Society has inherited observatory equipment from Geography and Space Studies, we have begun building our own public facility

In 1967 and 1968 two University of North Dakota Geography department faculty built the first "modern" astronomical observatory, north of campus on the Bronson Property. That observatory operated until the early-mid 70's and was abandoned. In 2007, a shift in research faculty at the University of North Dakota department of Space Studies caused the destruction of the Planetary Science Observatory. B

oth facilities had astronomical telescopes which were offered to the Northern Sky Astronomical Society. NSAS's primary mission is to be the public outreach arm of astronomy on UND campus. We have decided to build a public observatory and utilize equipment donated to us from Geography as well as Space Studies for this facility. We have partnered with East Grand Forks Heritage Village to permanently house the historic observatory and telescopes. And will be able to use the historic observatories for public observing each month.

Extended signups to Feb 17. Learn about astronomy, how to use telescopes, we've got guest speakers, planetarium visit, a...
02/15/2026

Extended signups to Feb 17. Learn about astronomy, how to use telescopes, we've got guest speakers, planetarium visit, and all supplies are provided. I've gotten requests to extend signups so we've done that, there's still time. Registration is on site Tuesday night 6:30pm at Heritage village EGF. Amundson classroom.

02/11/2026

We had a soft start to the spring astronomy class, which means the fun begins next week with the first actual class. So there is still time to get involved and register. We had a small turnout tonight and I wanted to give one more week of advertising to boost the numbers.

Send a message to learn more

02/10/2026

Thought we'd change our cover photo to show our newest observatory. This will soon house our 11 inch robotic telescope used for planetary imaging. You'll see it in operation as our family astronomy nights start up this spring.

Class begins on Tuesday
02/10/2026

Class begins on Tuesday

01/30/2026

Update: NASA has delayed the launch to late night on Feb 8 due to weather conditions. We however have still decided to hold this event on Feb 6 and will focus on our guest speaker and family activities. Still come out Friday night to learn about our return to the moon.

Alright Astronomy classes are back.
01/28/2026

Alright Astronomy classes are back.

Come watch the launch.
01/28/2026

Come watch the launch.

01/08/2026

A special astronomy class will begin in February. What's special about it? I intend to have the group help install and use the new telescope in the new observatory. Even before the snow disappears.

Ok this season of observing at family astronomy nights will be awesome. The observatory we just got donated, now has ou...
01/07/2026

Ok this season of observing at family astronomy nights will be awesome. The observatory we just got donated, now has our dream scope, also donated. We now have an 11 inch Celestron that'll be used for planetary and lunar real time imaging with the public. More details of the donations will come soon when we get them in writing and important information on what else we need to make a great public observatory maybe you can help.

More pictures of observatory. Seen here is a 6 inch f8 Meade (white) with a 4 inch f10 ( black) riding piggyback. The ...
11/21/2025

More pictures of observatory.
Seen here is a 6 inch f8 Meade (white) with a 4 inch f10 ( black) riding piggyback. The black scope is a visual solar scope. White scope is just a regular all purpose scope.

11/09/2025

Event is cancelled for the snow has come.

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East Grand Forks, MN

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