Jul. 11, 2026
Saturday / 1:00 PM
The Observatory offers programs exploring the history of astronomy and the history of the University of Michigan. We’re open Thursdays, Fridays, and select 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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Follow UsWhen the Detroit Observatory was built in 1854, it stood about a half mile from the University of Michigan's original 40 acres—too far away for some! This photo, taken in 1922, offers a glimpse into how much can change. Today, the Observatory is in the heart of U-M's Central Campus, a reminder of how the university has grown around the historic landmark.
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‼️Please note that the Frankel Detroit Observatory will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
We are open today, July 2, for our regular Thursday hours from 12-5pm.🌟
We hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July and look forward to welcoming you back next week, with regular Thursday (12-5 pm) and Friday (12-11 pm) hours, and a Saturday Open House (12-5 pm) on July 11! Please check our website for programs and events.
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☄️Happy Asteroid Day! ☄️
Did you know the first asteroids were discovered in 1801?
Between 1863 and 1877, James Craig Watson, the Observatory's second director, discovered 22 asteroids. Twenty-one of them were found using the Fitz telescope—the same telescope that still stands in the Observatory today. At the time, Watson's discoveries accounted for nearly 10% of all known bodies in the solar system. Today, NASA has identified more than 1.5 million asteroids, making his accomplishments even more remarkable.
During our observing nights, you can look through the historic Fitz telescope yourself and experience a piece of astronomical history! 🔭
Pictured: the 1857 Fitz telescope at the Frankel Detroit Observatory; Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, photographed by student docents using the Fitz telescope in June 2023.
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