All of our telescopes are used in our courses. A few of the telescopes have primary uses for public outreach with eyepieces, and a few have primary uses for research with digital cameras or spectrographs.
The Fitz
A 9-inch achromatic refractor purchased in 1863, the original telescope of Alfred University. Named for the optician who made the optics. The original site was close to the admissions building. Its current mounting and location are thanks to our observatory’s namesake, Dr. John Stull. This telescope is primarily used for public events and classes.
The Metzger
A 20-inch newtonian reflector. Named for a local artist who enjoyed using the telescope. The mount and optical tube were built by Dr. John Stull. Housed in an Ash-Dome. This telescope is primarily used for public events and classes.
The Rosing
A 24-inch PlaneWave Corrected Dall-Kirkham reflecting telescope. Donated by Wayne Rosing. Housed in an Ash-Dome. The primary instrument is the Shelyak eShel spectrograph. This instrument is primarily used for research and upper level courses.
The Austin-Fellows
A 32-inch newtonian reflector. The mount and optical tube were built by Dr. John Stull. Housed in an Ash-Dome.
The Rose Heliostat
A mirror, mount, and projector built by Dr. Stull to project an image of the sun onto a screen. Built into the Alden Building. The heliostat is primarily used for public events and classes.
The Olson
An 8-inch telescope primarily used for solar observing with a hydrogen-alpha filter. Housed in an Ash-Dome. This telescope is primarily used for public events and classes.
New 20-inch
Being installed summer 2024 in the Alden building! Housed in an Ash-Dome. This will become our dedicated imager for photometry.
The Hunt Reflector
An 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope. Housed in a tip-off shed. This telescope is primarily used for public events and classes.
“The Catch” Reflector
An 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope. Housed in a tip-off shed. This telescope is primarily used for public events and classes.
Assorted Portable Telescopes
Small refractors, reflectors, solar projectors, small binoculars and large mounted binoculars are used for outreach and classes.