Rawlinson Observatory

Come Visit Us

The observatory is located on the fourth floor of the Science building on the Ferris State University campus. Visits are available during scheduled public events or by special arrangement for classes and community groups.

All public observing activities are subject to weather conditions, equipment availability, and safety considerations.

Observatory Equipment

Rawlinson Observatory features professional-quality astronomical equipment used during public viewing nights, campus events, and community outreach programs.

• Primary Telescope: Large-aperture reflecting telescope
• Mount: Computer-controlled equatorial mount with precision tracking
• Imaging Systems: Scientific CCD/CMOS cameras for live astronomical viewing
• Visual Observing: Wide-field and high-magnification eyepieces suitable for public viewing
• Control & Display: Planetarium and telescope-control software with indoor display capability

Astronomy Resources

• Monthly "What You Can See Tonight" sky highlights
• Beginner-friendly guides to planets, stars, and constellations
• NASA and public astronomy resources
• Recommended astronomy app and observing tools

Astrophotography

Astrophotography is a growing focus of outreach and student engagement at Rawlinson Observatory. Using telescope-mounted cameras and tracking systems, participants learn how astronomers capture images of the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Workshops and demonstrations introduce:

• Basic camera settings for low-light imaging
• Polar alignment and tracking fundamentals
• Short-exposure and stacked imaging techniques
• Introductory image processing and enhancement

Astrophotography activities support both public outreach and student-led research projects, allowing participants to create their own astronomical images while developing practical observational skills.