Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium (Indianapolis, Indiana)

 university, observatory, planetarium, 1950s construction

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4600 Sunset Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 940-8333
www.butler.edu/arts-sciences/holcomb-observatory/

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy , has been serving Butler University students and the Indianapolis public for nearly 50 years. The observatory, one of the largest public observatories in the world, houses a 38-inch Cassegrain reflector. The observatory and planetarium are open to the public on a regular basis from late January through late July, and mid September through early December. All astronomy and astrophysics courses are taught at the observatory. Students at both the introductory and advanced levels of astronomy and astrophysics use the telescope for their laboratory and research projects to study the cosmos.

The Holcomb Observatory was at one point the largest telescope in Indiana, situated well outside the Indianapolis city limits. Now, its effectiveness is reduced now that it is in the middle of the city, but the department of Physics and Astronomy still offers weekly tours and programs.