I hope that many of you managed to view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. As for myself, I was in the path of totality, and it was everything, and more, than I had expected.

Regardless of the weather forecasts, Salem State University will be closed in the observance of Patriots Day on Monday. Therefore, Collins Observatory will be also be closed on Monday, April 15, 2024. We will reopen on the evening of Monday, April 22, 2024, weather permitting. Also note: Monday, May 6, 2024 will be our last public observing night until September.

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

Please check back on this site for any changes, or updates about openings, or COVID-19 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 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 skies 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?

The spring constellations have taken over the night sky, but some of the winter constellations can still be seen.
The planets Jupiter, and Uranus are moving into the twilight now, but are still viewable when we open.
Jupiter, has moved lower in the western sky as we open, but is still visible with the unaided eye. So, enjoy it while you can, as it will be lost in the solar glare by May.
Uranus has also moved lower in the western sky as we open, and is still close to Jupiter at this time, but will be getting lost in the solar glare as well by May. So, view it if you can.
M42 in Orion is in the southwest as we open now, and quickly heading towards the twilight. It's one of the best deep sky objects that can be viewed when it's clear. This may be your last chance to see it until next fall.
Leo is up as we open with its many galaxies, and some are viewable provided there isn't too much moonlight.

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.

Return to Previous Page