Hesje Observatory
We’re excited to share the stars with you! We offer drop-in observing on Thursday evenings! Please check our calendar and socials (Bluesky, Instagram, X) for the scheduled time each week and any weather updates that may affect the schedule. If you are unsure if the Hesje Observatory is open or closed, please do not hesitate to email hesjeobservatory@ualberta.ca and ask.
Drop-in rate: $15 /person. Pay at the door, credit only. Please see our schedule or socials (Bluesky, Instagram, X) for the latest updates and open times before coming to drop-in!
The Hesje Observatory is also still available for bookings for our in-person Stargazing and Astronomy program, which includes 2 hours of uninterrupted time at the observatory for your group. See the Program & Events tab for details about the program.
The Hesje Observatory is located at the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station (AMLRS) within Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. This area is located in a dark sky preserve, making it an ideal place for an astronomical observatory (as there is minimal light pollution to hinder the excellent view of the night sky). The dream of having an astronomical observatory was made possible by alumnus Brian Hesje. See the full story about his contribution here.
The telescope in the observatory provides a digital feed to the classroom in the station, and will eventually be able to be remotely accessible at Augustana and online. There is an observation deck around the dome where portable telescopes can be set up.
The observatory benefits Augustana students, professors, teachers and anyone else who is interested in astronomy. It is a center for opportunity — giving astronomy enthusiasts access to the high-tech instruments necessary to study the cosmos.
Telescopes
17″ Corrected Dall-Kirkham
The telescope in the observatory is a 17″ Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK17) from PlaneWave. It is mounted permanently on a PlaneWave L-series 500 altazimuth mount, as it weighs almost 50 kg. It has quartz mirrors for thermal stability and a rotating focuser for ease when imaging. With an aperture (the opening in the telescope) of 17 inches, it has very high light gathering power, allowing researchers and other users to see and study deep into the cosmos.
Celestron Edge HD 11″
We also have a portable telescope, the Celestron Edge HD 11". It is an Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with excellent optics and an equatorial mount. This telescope will be more dedicated to photographing night sky objects to share with the world.
Luther
One of our original telescopes, dubbed "Luther" to honor the heritage of Augustana, is an 8" Dobsonian handmade by two Augustana students as part of a Directed Study course. It is on an altazimuth mount and is not motorized, but it is simple to use for viewing the night sky.
Research
Undergraduate university students will work on projects that contribute data to worldwide astronomy research collaborations, such as the American Association of Variable Star Observers.
Check out NASA's Sky Events Calendar for the next upcoming astronomical event to watch!
