The James Richard Jewett Observatory boasts the second-largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington; a grand 12-inch Alvin Clark & Sons, with the original lens polished in 1887-1889 by the same optician that fabricated the world's largest (40-inch) lens at Yerkes Observatory. The present dome and support building were designed in 1950 and dedicated in 1953. The philanthopy of Mr. and Mrs. George Jewett of Spokane made the project possible, and it was named after George's father, a professor of Arabic at Harvard, and a "friend of astronomy for many years."
The observatory is used primarily for student "laboratories" and also contains 10 portable telescopes for hands-on education.
Directions
The observatory is located near the intersection of Grimes Way and Olympia Avenue. There are about a dozen "blue" parking slots at the observatory (anybody can park there after hours or on weekends).From Spokane, take Hwy 195 south to Pullman. Follow Hwy 270 east. Hwy 270 jogs through downtown and continues to the University. Turn left on Stadium Way, then the first right turn onto Olympia. Olympia turns sharply to the left and uphill. Go past the stop sign at Chinook Drive. You will see the equine track downhill to your right and the observatory dome uphill to your left. Turn on Observatory Drive and park.
From Lewiston, take Hwy 195 north to Pullman. Follow Hwy 27, which becomes Grand Avenue, until you reach the downtown area. Turn right and follow Hwy 270 east to the University. Turn left on Stadium Way, then the first right turn onto Olympia. Olympia turns sharply to the left and uphill. Go past the stop sign at Chinook Drive. You will see the equine track downhill to your right and the observatory dome uphill to your left. Turn on Observatory Drive and park.
From Moscow on Hwy 270, turn right on Stadium Way, then immediately right on Olympia. Olympia turns sharply to the left and uphill. Go past the stop sign at Chinook Drive. You will see the equine track downhill to your right and the observatory dome uphill to your left. Turn on Observatory Drive and park.
Star Parties!
Jewett Observatory is our direct window on the heavens. In spring, summer, and fall, we hold public star parties, where any interested person can come to view the cosmos through the historic 12-inch Clark.2013 open nights are listed here. Events are canceled in the case of cloudy or inclement weather.
- Saturday, April 20, 2013, 8:30 p.m. start
- Saturday, May 18, 2013, 9:00 p.m., or maybe 8:30 p.m. start Saturn! And Jupiter and Venus before they set. (And check out the dances with Mercury in the night sky over the next couple of weeks.
- Saturday, June 15, 2013, 9:30 p.m. start Saturn
- Saturday, July 13, 2013, 9:30 p.m. start Saturn
- Saturday, Aug 17, 2013, 9:00 p.m. start Saturn
- Saturday, Sept 7, 2013, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Live Jazz Music and BBQ dinner with the Palouse Astronomical Society, $7 food donation suggested, then, 9:00 and on, stargazing - Saturn is still in the sky
- Saturday, Sept 14, 2013, 9:00 p.m. start Saturn sets early
- Saturday, October 12, 2013, 8:30 p.m. start Jupiter rises around 11:00 p.m.
Planet-watching highlights are in blue, but most public evenings also feature a crescent moon, star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other surprises. All are welcome! Please dress warmly, even in summer. Clouds render all astronomical objects invisible, so don't come if you can't see any stars out. All events cosponsored by the Palouse Astronomical Society.