Observatory
Please note: due to health and safety concerns the Boeing Observatory will offer guests a live streamed image from the telescope to observe while visiting the museum. The museum is managing guest capacity, requiring social distancing for staff and guests, and has increased cleaning frequency throughout the day. Per Governor Henry McMaster’s executive order, guests aged 3 and above are required to wear a face covering while visiting state buildings, which includes the State Museum.
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Observatory Teaching Workshops
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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.
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The Clark telescope has a computer control system which allows for quick pointing at objects in the sky.
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Students at participating schools can access the telescope over the internet to study phenomena from the rings of Saturn to the Orion Nebula.
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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.
Night Observing
Currently Closed Until Further Notice
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
