Perkins Observatory

Perkins Observatory was founded in 1923 by Hiram Perkins of Ohio Wesleyan University. It is primarily an active research and educational facility used by the faculty and students of the OWU Physics and Astronomy Department.

However, we do offer public programs (day and night) for those interested in Astronomy. See the Public Programs section below for more details.

We are the only observatory in Central Ohio that conducts public programs for thousands of people each and every year!

Purchasing Tickets

Ticket are only sold by phone. Call us at 740-363-1257 to order tickets.

Ticket Availability (updated March 14, 2025)
Perkins Observatory is pausing its public outreach programs to conduct maintainence. Watch this space for future updates. We will post available dates when programing resumes.

The schedule and ticket availability may not be up to the minute. Please have alternative dates in mind when you call. Tickets are $10 each ($2 in addition for each ticket purchased on the day of the program or at the door). Tickets may only be purchased by phone with a credit/debit card.

Please purchase your tickets before coming to the observatory.

Public Programs

Regular Programs

(Most Friday evenings)

Our public nights are fun for the whole family! Individuals, families, and groups of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Programs MAY include observing with telescopes (weather permitting), a tour of the observatory, or a talk about the night sky.

We have limited openings for our Friday night programs.

So, if you want a guaranteed spot in one of our programs, purchase your tickets now for the next available date!

Call us at 740-363-1257 to order tickets.

Public Programs Brochure (PDF)

Telescope Workshops

(Classes Designed for Telescope Owners)

Perkins observatory is offering a series of workshops in 2023 directed to new (or old) telescope owners. These workshops will help you become an experienced telescope observer. The workshops will be offered once a month from February to May. Each monthly session will be dedicated to specific topics on the use and care of your telescope or binoculars. More sessions may be added based on demand. The lessons will be useful for telescopes big and small and are geared towards beginners of all ages. No previous experience is required.

Space is limited. Call us at 740-363-1257 to sign up.

Celebration of the Sun

(July)

In early summer, when the sun sets too late to schedule evening programs, Perkins will host two Saturday afternoon programs with activities to celebrate, talk about, and observe with special telescopes (weather permitting) our incredible "day star," the sun.

Call us at 740-363-1257 to order tickets.

Specially Schduled Programs

If our regular programs don't meet your needs, then why not schedule something just for you and your group? We can come to speak to your classes at your school, or you could bring them to Perkins for a daytime field trip. Do you have lots of Cub Scouts or Home School children? Come see us for a special daytime or evening program. Date availability varies according to our schedule and that of the university's. All dates are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scheduling Special Programs

Events

Upcoming public programs at Perkins Observatory. Call 740-363-1257 to arrange your tickets in advance. Tickets are $10 each. An additional $2 fee per ticket for day of the program or at the door purchases.