Jack C. Davis Observatory
The Jack C. Davis Observatory is open to the public and provides a research-level facility for WNC students and the community. The observatory is located at 2699 Van Patten Avenue on the northern end of the Carson City Campus.
Wishing on a Star . . .
The Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College in Carson City is a premier place in northern Nevada to get "up close and personal" with the moon, stars and planets. With both interior and exterior telescopes, and perched on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Davis Observatory is the place to be for astronomical happenings, planetary walks, and informative classes that keep students, scientists and the community on the edge of the latest technological advances.
. . . . Dreams Can Come True
It took the vision of WNC faculty, the work of community volunteers, and the generous donations of individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to create the Jack C. Davis Observatory. Named for the founding president of Western Nevada College, the Davis Observatory's First Light on May 15, 2003, featured a lecture by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, and visits by hundreds of well-wishers.
Observatory Facilities
The 2,800-square-foot facility has three telescopes inside the building, one 16", one 14" and one 10", plus a small radio telescope. One is equipped with a spectrograph, which can collect data from the stars. Outside the building is a robo-dome with a fourth telescope for studying the sun, including solar prominences that eject off the edges of the sun. All of the telescopes have cameras. The computers and telescopes are connected to a large overhead TV screen and a plasma TV screen, so entire classes can view the stars from their desks.
Public Access
The observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings throughout the year. The Western Nevada Astronomical Society hosts "Star Parties" Saturdays from sundown until 11 p.m. A star party is simply a gathering of people who share a common interest in astronomy. The society may schedule additional star parties for astronomical events like solar or lunar eclipses or meteor showers.
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