John H. Witte, Jr. Observatory

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John H. Witte, Jr. Observatory The John H. Witte, Jr. Observatory is operated and managed by the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club i Witte Observatory by RESERVATIONS ONLY! The JOHN H WITTE JR. W.

The Executive Committee of the Astronomy Club will open the John H. Crowd size, personal safety, and equipment were reasons behind our scheduling change. Same great night sky, just Online scheduling for more viewing opportunities. This new format means the Observatory will not be open on Fridays at this time. Each evening will be limited to 20 visitors. The 90 minute viewing session will begin with a tour of the Observatory facilities and educational materials. And group photo opportunity. Evening availability and to make reservation go to:
https://calendly.com/seiac

Note the dates on the calendar have been selected for the best viewing nights and availability of telescope operators. Always weather permitting. If you have questions, please send us a private message. OBSERVATORY COMPLEX is located in the Big Hollow Recreation Area near Sperry Iowa. The Complex is managed and operated by Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club. The WITTE OBSERVATORY COMPLEX consists of three separate observatories. The JOHN H WITTE OBSERVATORY houses a 12 inch Alvan Clark and Sons refractor manufactured in 1937. The telescope was originally donated to the Burlington School System - Apollo by John H. Witte Jr. a local businessman and amateur astronomer. The observatory was completed with the assistance of funds from his foundation in May 1987. Several years later the PRUGH-CARVER OBSERVATORY was built to house Mr. Witte’s personal telescope, an eight inch refractor made by J. Fe**er in 1931. The STONE-KELLY OBSERVATORY was built to house a 16 inch Ealing Cassegrain telescope relocated from the current Burlington High School in 2003.

If you have an interest in Astronomy, Fall is a great time to explore opportunities. The Astronomy Club and Witte Observ...
09/28/2026

If you have an interest in Astronomy, Fall is a great time to explore opportunities. The Astronomy Club and Witte Observatory can help you (and a spouse) get outdoors, explore an evening sky, and add a little science to your day. Message us for more information!

Here's the video of Dr. Green's Zoom Presentation on Artemis II Mission. :-)
06/19/2026

Here's the video of Dr. Green's Zoom Presentation on Artemis II Mission. :-)

At the invitation of the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club, Dr. Jim ...

Look 👀 We're famous 🤗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BV7zzy7g5/
04/29/2026

Look 👀 We're famous 🤗

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BV7zzy7g5/

The Witte Observatory in the Big Hollow Creek Recreation Area is a great destination for travelers whose eyes often drift up toward the night sky. Located in Sperry, Iowa just north of Burlington, the observatory is perfect for families and individuals interested in the cosmos. Read up before your trip in the newest Backyard Travelers blog... sessions are available by reservation and day tours are available! https://www.greaterburlington.com/media-resources/blogs/the-witte-observatory

We're trying something new 🤗 We've got room in for more Viewers for our Public Evening Wednesday, April 22 beginning at ...
04/21/2026

We're trying something new 🤗 We've got room in for more Viewers for our Public Evening Wednesday, April 22 beginning at 8 pm. It looks like the skies are going to cooperate. Fun targets for the evening include the waxing crescent Moon and Jupiter 🔭

Any and all who are interested in such things and are able are encouraged to attend 🫴

It's FREE 😊

If you're planning on coming, we would appreciate it if you would comment on this post, send us a quick message, or fill out the usual Calendly form found here

The Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club will open the Observatory for usually 24 visitors. Listed are the best viewing nights with often a backup date, in case of bad weather. Sessions are 90 minutes.

04/13/2026

EVERYONE should consider attending this wonderful event! It's relatively local this year, which is not always the case ;-)
Here's a video where one of the coordinators, Gordon Baustian, spoke to our club members - promoting the conference.
For more information, visit https://www.ncral2026.org

12/25/2025

Season's Greetings from Members of the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club

Here's a website with more information about the North Central Region of the Astronomical League (NCRAL). Our club, the...
11/24/2025

Here's a website with more information about the North Central Region of the Astronomical League (NCRAL). Our club, the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club, is a member ;-)

North Central Region of the Astronomical League

11/24/2025

These are our fellow astronomers to the North =)

They will be hosting North Central Region of the Astronomical League (NCRAL) annual convention this year. If you have an interest / wonder in astronomy / the night time sky - this is an AMAZING nearby opportunity

Send a message to learn more

Mark your calendars for May15-17, 2026!
11/21/2025

Mark your calendars for May15-17, 2026!

The Cedar Amateur Astronomers will be hosting the 2026 NCRAL (North Central Region – Astronomical League) conference from May 15 through May 17, 2026

One more resource about what Dr. Green presented :-)
09/20/2025

One more resource about what Dr. Green presented :-)

A sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from an ancient dry riverbed in Jezero Crater could preserve evidence of ancient microbial life. Taken

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18832 152nd Avenue
Sperry, IA
52650

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