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Observatory, Boeing Observatory, South Carolina, Museum, Columbiia, Things to do, family fun

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Boeing Observatory

This 2,500 square foot observatory at the South Carolina State Museum features a 1926 Alvan Clark 12 3/8-inch refracting telescope, outdoor viewing terrace, and adjoining classroom.

  • The Clark telescope has a computer control system which allows for quick pointing at objects in the sky.

  • Students at participating schools can access the telescope over the internet to study phenomena from the rings of Saturn to the Orion Nebula.

  • Both students and the general public can visit the observatory during scheduled viewing sessions.

Click HERE to follow the Boeing Observatory on Twitter @SCSMObservatory

Current Observatory Programs

PLEASE NOTE: All Observatory activities listed below are dependent on clear skies.

Solar Observingsolar flare final fbook

See the Sun through our solar scope on these special days and times: 

Mon. – Fri: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.*
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

*Observatory may be in use for scheduled school classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. -1:45 p.m.

Night ObservingBoeingObservatoryNight

OPEN until 10 p.m. every Tues. night

The Boeing Observatory is open late each Tuesday night! Join us for an up-close look at the moon, planets and more. Observatory access is included in museum general admission. Click HERE to learn more about Second Shift Twosdays.

Click HERE to see a viewing update for the most recent Tues. night!

Questions? Contact Observatory Manager, Matthew Whitehouse, at 803.898.4918 or email at matthew.whitehouse@scmuseum.org