Science & Tech
Fan Mountain Observatory in southern Albemarle County, Virginia, was opened by the University of Virginia in 1966 to continue astronomical work hindered at McCormick Observatory by Charlottesville’s growing light pollution. A 31-inch reflector was installed first, and a 40-inch Baker-Schmidt astrometric reflector was added in 1972 to continue the university’s parallax program and preserve precise stellar measurements at a darker site. Both telescopes have since been modernized for optical and infrared research and are operated nightly by students and faculty. Still an active research facility, it also opens to the public twice yearly for viewing nights.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Virginia · United States