Grant O. Gale Observatory

Grant O. Gale Observatory in Grinnell, Iowa, built in 1984 and operated by Grinnell College’s Department of Physics, serves both the college and the public as a center for observing the night sky. Named for noted Grinnell teacher and physics museum curator Grant O. Gale, it combines teaching, research, and community outreach. The building, designed by Woodburn and O'Neil of Des Moines, houses a 24-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope made by DFM Engineering, along with computer systems for telescope control, data collection, analysis, and image storage. Its public viewing programs under staff supervision make it an important part of the college’s science facilities.

Grinnell, Iowa · United States