Brooks Astronomical Observatory

Your classroom can reach all the way to the stars

What if your astronomy class came with a 16-inch telescope, a rooftop observation deck and a front-row seat to the night sky?

At Central Michigan University, it does.

The Brooks Astronomical Observatory gives students hands-on access to professional astronomical equipment right on campus. Located atop Brooks Hall, the observatory supports astronomy courses, research and observations — giving you opportunities to move beyond textbooks and explore the universe for yourself.

Look deeper. Ask bigger questions.

The heart of the observatory is a fully automated, computer-controlled 16-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope. You can use it to observe and study objects including the Moon, planets, star clusters and nebulae while gaining experience with the technology astronomers use to collect and analyze data.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Conduct astronomical observations
• Collect and analyze data
• Work with professional-grade instrumentation
• Explore imaging and spectroscopy
• Apply physics and mathematics to real astronomical questions
• Gain hands-on experience that can prepare you for research and graduate study

At CMU research isn't just something you read about.

At CMU, you can become part of the research process

Students working in astronomy and astrophysics can participate in projects ranging from gathering observations to analyzing astronomical data and performing numerical simulations. Students have opportunities to work alongside faculty and contribute to research exploring stars, exoplanets and other questions about our universe.

You don't have to wait until graduate school to start doing astronomy.

A view you can't get from a textbook

Step outside the telescope dome and onto the observatory's open-air observation deck. Here, you can learn constellations, practice navigating the night sky and experience astronomical observations from the highest point in Brooks Hall.

The observatory also hosts public open houses, giving the CMU community and visitors opportunities to look through the telescope, tour the facility and talk with astronomers about the night sky.

Build skills for what's next

Astronomy isn't only about studying stars. You'll develop skills in physics, mathematics, computer science, data analysis and scientific problem-solving, skills that can transfer to careers in space research, technology, engineering, data science and other STEM fields.

At CMU, you'll combine those skills with hands-on experience using advanced equipment and working alongside faculty.

You'll graduate with more than an interest in the universe. You'll have experience exploring it.

Discover astronomy at CMU

Whether you've been fascinated by space your entire life or you're just beginning to ask questions about the universe, CMU gives you opportunities to explore those questions through coursework, research and hands-on observation.

Explore the Astronomy and Astrophysics program and discover where your curiosity can take you.