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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
The State Museum will be open late for Lunar Eclipse Night on Sun., Jan. 20. Enjoy eclipse viewing, special planetarium shows and discounted general admission starting at 5 p.m. Click HERE to learn more.
Current Observatory Programs
PLEASE NOTE: All Observatory activities listed below are dependent on clear skies.
Solar Observing
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 Observing
OPEN until 8 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
