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.

06/28/2026

Unfortunately the weather tonight, Saturday is for worse conditions. The June starparty is canceled due to weather. Greater than 50% clouds. They'll be more of these throughout summer and fall. Keep posted on the astronomy club page.

06/27/2026

Friday night canceled. We will try Saturday.

Well prelim forecast for Friday and Saturday nights is for clouded out skies so keep watching facebook.com/northernskyas...
06/26/2026

Well prelim forecast for Friday and Saturday nights is for clouded out skies so keep watching facebook.com/northernskyastro for real time decisions.

The Northern Sky Astronomical Society is an amateur astronomy club based at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, comprised of students, faculty, and members of the public.

06/01/2026

Well here's some news. Somebody drove a lawnmower into the side of the observatory and broke off the corner molding. Repairs required

05/30/2026
05/30/2026

We made today's paper.

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East Grand Forks, MN

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