The Montgomery County Community College Observatory is located on the third floor of the Advanced Technology Center on the Central Campus in Blue Bell. The state-of-the-art observatory features a smart classroom where Astronomy classes are held, an observation deck and observatory with a 16-inch Meade Scmidt-Cassegrain Telescope.
Directions
The ATC building is located at the corner of campus nearest the entrance off Morris Road. There is a small parking lot for the ATC and additional parking can be found in the major Science Center lots. The dome of the observatory is visible at the top of one of the glass stairwells of the ATC. Enter through the main doors from the ATC parking lot and take the stairwell to the right. Follow those stairs straight up and you'll find the observatory at the top, one flight above the 3rd floor. The observational deck is located on the third floor directly accessible from the stairwell as well as the small lobby area near the same stairwell.
Observatory Events
Community Open Nights
These events are free and open to the entire community with no prior registration required. All events will be held at the observatory and observation deck. Some events will be hosted in conjunction with the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers (DVAA) and the Buck Mont Astronomical Association (BMAA).
The events are not limited to number or age of attendants. We do ask that parents be responsible for their children. We ask that all participants be aware of the scientific equipment which will be in use and therefore be respectful of their food, drink, or chewing gum.
There are no community events during the Christmas break (December through January) or during the summer (May through August).
Check the Events Calendar for schedule.
Troop Tuesday
The observatory welcomes scout troops to tour the facility and have a night of guided sky observation. Due to space constraints, each event session will be limited to one troop with approximately 10-20 children. Prior registration is required. Due to space limitations, each Troop Tuesday will consist of three 45-minute sessions during which time two troops with approximately 10 children per troop can be hosted. Your date, time, and session will be confirmed via email. To schedule a troop night contact Kelli Spangler.
Dress "Code"
Please remember that the observational deck, where additional telescopes will be located, is completely open. The observatory dome is more protected from the wind and cold but is still susceptible to weather. If it's cold and windy during a community night event, please be sure to dress accordingly with hats, scarves, gloves, and warm coats.
Cancellation
Any observing event at the Montgomery County Community College Observatory will be cancelled under the following conditions.
- Clouds
- Lightening
- Rain
- Snow
- Active Precipitation
In the event of cancellation, a message will be posted on the observatory hotline one hour prior to the start of the event. Please check the hotline before heading over to the Observatory to avoid unnecessary travel. Call the hot line at 215-641-6460.
