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).
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. 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 phone line before heading over to the Observatory to avoid unnecessary travel. Call the hot line at 215-641-6460 to avoid unnecessary travel.
Contact Us
Kelli Spangler
215-641-6460
kspangler@mc3.edu
Peter Bachmann
pbachman@mc3.edu
