Observatory

There are two observatories on the University of Maine campus:

Maynard F. Jordan Observatory

Maynard F. Jordan Observatory

The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory is located behind the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine campus. This observatory is an integral part of the curriculum in the department of Physics and Astronomy and is frequently used by students and faculty for research purposes.

This observatory contains the remote-controllable PlaneWave CDK20 telescope as well as many other tools for modern astronomy research and exploration. Click here to view a gallery of images taken with the telescope.

The Clark Observatory has been relocated to the Versant Power Astronomy Center and now sits next to the modern Jordan Observatory. The new site offers much darker skies and allows use of the telescope to be integrated with planetarium programs. 

The Historic Clark Telescope was originally built in 1900, when the University of Maine was only known as the Maine State College. Visit the Clark Telescope Observatory page to learn more about the history of this unique and important astronomical instrument.

Clark Observatory

Clark Telescope Observatory

Telescopes

Choosing Your First Telescope

Looking to buy a telescope of your own? There are a lot of choices to be made, so be sure to read through these recommendations and tips first.

Triangulum Galaxy M33

Astrophotography

Are you interested in learning more about the world of Astrophotography? Our friends at CCTV Camera World are happy to get you started on your way!

Weather

Current Weather updates are always crucial to outdoor night sky viewing. On the weather page you will find the most recent Orono, Maine observing conditions along with satellite imaging and a clear sky clock.

The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory is able to be controlled remotely and sometimes we need to be able to see the telescope to make sure everything is working well. We use two webcams, mounted on different sides of the observatory dome to monitor the telescope. If you want to take a look through our webcams you can by clicking on either of these buttons:

scope cam 1 button
scope cam 2 button

To log in:

Enter the username “Guest” with no password, click “OK” on the pop-up, and select either “Server Push Mode” or “Mobile Phone” depending on if you are browsing from a computer or a mobile device respectively.

Want to learn more about historical telescopes? Visit Wolf Telescopes and view a fantastic digital museum of telescopes constructed as early as the 1700s!

Donations help secure the future of the Jordan Planetarium and observatory here at the University of Maine. They assist in acquiring new programming, keeping our technology up to date, and providing numerous astronomy and science opportunities for students of all ages and the general public.

Donations to the astronomy center can be made here.