thomsen observatory

Experience the galaxy like never before....

Founded in 1984 by SWAU, the observatory is open on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings, beginning a half hour before sunset. The original reflector telescope was replaced with a new 10” refractor telescope the option of either astrophotography or eyepiece viewing.

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Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

total solar elcipse on april 8, 2024

Hundreds gathered at the Thomsen Observatory to witness the total solar eclipse as it moved across North America, passing over Mexico, United States, and Canada. Viewers noticed a drop in temperature, a shift in the wind, the appearance of bright planets in the sky and the quieting of birds and other wildlife. The next total solar eclipse that can be seen by the contiguous United States will be August 23, 2044.