The Observatory offers programs exploring the history of astronomy and the history of the University of Michigan. We’re open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Admission is always free!
Check our calendar for programs and events!
Learn more about this newly reimagined, one-of-a-kind place, where the spirit of science and discovery link the past and present.
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In honor of Veteran's Day, meet Claudius Buchanan Grant, a U-M alum featured in the Civil War exhibit at U-M's historic Frankel Detroit Observatory.
When news of the Civil War reached Ann Arbor, Grant left his job as a high school principal to recruit a regiment to fight for the Union. He went on to lead fellow Wolverines as the captain of Company D of the 20th Michigan Infantry Regiment, which fought in major battles like the Overland Campaign and Siege of Petersburg. Later in life, Grant laid the cornerstone for Alumni Memorial Hall, where there is a memorial to the 20th Michigan Infantry Regiment!
Throughout his time in the Union Army, Grant painted watercolors portraits of daily life during the Civil War. You can see pictures of his paintings, examine his recruitment banners, and view one of his wartime diaries in "'Fill the Ranks': The Civil War and the University of Michigan," on display now at the Frankel Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor.
Celebrate Veterans Day by learning about these soldiers and their lives with us here at U-M's historic Observatory! This exhibit is free to visit, and open to all.
Learn more about visiting here: myumi.ch/Z8zVp
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Did you know that one of U-M football's biggest fans was also a beloved astronomy professor? 〽️
Hazel Marie "Doc" Losh earned her PhD in astronomy from U-M in 1924. She would later return to teach, becoming the first female professor in the astronomy department. Her introductory astronomy class was popular, especially with athletes, teaching the likes of Tom Harmon, Ron Kramer, and Cazzie Russell.
By the 1970s, Doc Losh had become something of an unofficial mascot for Wolverine athletics. On football Saturdays, it was tradition for her to preside over the pre-match coin toss. She was named Homecoming Queen for Life by U-M fraternities in 1966, the only person to receive the honor.
After all, as Losh said, "You can't just have astronomy all the time."
Sometimes you need a little football. 🏈
Read more about Doc Losh here: heritage.umich.edu/stories/doc-losh/
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Last week, the Alliance of Historic Observatories hosted its Docent Meeting at the Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory!
Friends from historic observatories across the country joined FDO staff and student docents for three days of discussion and collaboration focused on integrating archival collections into public engagement.
Highlights were tours of the Bentley Historical Library, the Clements Library, and the U-M Libraries Special Collections, where we explored collections related to the history of astronomy. At the Bentley, we uncovered materials and connections tied to each of the visiting observatories!
It was a wonderful reminder of how archives can connect people, institutions, and stories across time. Thanks to our friends for making the trip, Cincinnati Observatory, McDonald Observatory, Mount Wilson Observatory, Palomar Observatory, United States Naval Observatory, and Yerkes Observatory!
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