►The UWRF Observatory, located on the 3rd floor of Centennial Science Hall (CSH) - south stairwell, is equipped with a 16-inch Meade computer-controlled LX200GPS mounted under the dome, three portable telescopes (two 12-inch Meade LX200 and one 18-inch Obsession Dobsonian), Coronado SolarMax60 and PST Solar Telescopes.
We also have two parallel RadioJOVE telescopes (currently awaiting a new location), and a number of QuarkNet cosmic ray air shower detectors.

Explore our recommended stargazing websites for more information.

Please contact Glenn Spiczak if you are attempting independent viewing and have questions.

Planetarium Shows:

Our aim is to resume shows for Fall 2024. Thank you for your patience.

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Astronomy Talks & Viewings

We are working to offer a viewing opportunity using the observatory in spring 2023.
See https://www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/ for future astronomy viewing events.

If there is a talk scheduled it would typically be held in CSH 271. If the night is clear, the observatory viewing sessions are on the third floor Observatory deck of CSH.

Observatory viewings and talks are free and open to all age groups. Objects to be seen include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.

We decide by 6 pm whether the evening is clear enough for good viewing. You can check our UWRF Physics web page after 6 pm for updates or call 715-425-3235.

When in doubt, please use your own judgement and check weather.com.
Even if there is inclement weather for viewing, the talk is always held as scheduled.

If you need assistance or elevator access to the third floor of Centennial Science Hall, please let us know since an elevator key is required. 

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Clear Sky Chart 

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Richard D. Swensen Sundial

The sundial on the Kleinpell Fine Arts (KFA) building was designed by emeriti Dr. John Shepherd. You will find it on the outside south wall of KFA, located on Cascade Avenue just west of Centennial Science Hall. It faces the University Center (UC) along the main east-west walkway through the center of campus.

A history and directions for reading the sundial are available at How to Read Sundial.