I was hoping to get one more night of observing in before we close Collins Observatory for the summer, but the weather had other ideas. The weather forecasts are predicting a cloudy sky tonight with some rain possible. Therefore, Collins Observatory will be closed this evening, Monday, May 5, 2025. Note: This is the last public observing night until at least September.

Note: Collins Observatory is open to all SSU students, faculty, staff, and non SSU individuals. Masks are no longer required in the observatory.

Please check back on this site for any changes and updates about openings, or any COVID-19, or other safety protocols in the future.

Collins Observatory is normally open on CLEAR, or MOSTLY CLEAR Mondays from 7-10 PM, or later depending upon the time of sunset. We’re open during the school year from September to the beginning of May, and are closed on school holidays, when the school is on vacation, mandated closings, and during the summer. It is also available for special group visits during the year when feasible.

The observatory houses a Meade 12-inch LX-200 ACF telescope, which does fairly well in the light polluted sky over Salem.

Please call the observatory at 978-542-6452, if you’re coming from a distance, as the weather is a bit unstable this close to the ocean.

Notes:

What’s up tonight?

Mars is in the west/southwestern sky (in Cancer) as it gets dark this week. It appears pretty small now, but is still viewable through a telescope. It will still be visible in the evening sky for several months, before it is lost in the solar twilight.
Jupiter is visible in the far western sky (in Taurus) as it gets dark this week. It will disappear from view by the end of May.
The asteroid Vesta (in Virgo) is visible after it gets fully dark later in the evening this week, and will remain visible in a telescope throughout the summer. It is at its brightest now, and will start dimming later this week. Those with excellent vision may be able to see it with unaided eyes this first week of May.
The constellations of Leo and Virgo are up in the southern sky after it gets dark this week, and both of the constellations bring a wealth of galaxies with them (weather and Moon permitting).

Visit us: Map

Located on Rt. 114, ( Lafayette St. ) in Salem, MA.

Parking has improved – we suggest you attempt to use the new parking garage in the lower student parking lot, or the street, which is RT. 114, in front of Meier Hall. Meier Hall is the second building from the faculty parking area “A”, and next to the school theater. Enter through the front door on RT. 114. Go down the hall to the back of the building and take a left. There is an elevator about thirty feet down from there on your right. Go on the elevator and press floor “P” (sixth floor). Turn right upon leaving the elevator. Turn left after the double hall doors and go out the glass doors to the roof. Take the stairs on the left to the observatory.

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