Washburn Observatory closed for repairs

Due to a mechanical problem, Washburn Observatory will be closed indefinitely for repairs.

The observatory, perched on a hill overlooking Lake Mendota, is a familiar campus landmark. Although no longer used for research, the observatory is a popular campus destination two evenings a month when it is opened for public viewing.

The failure of a gear that helps control the opening and closing of the viewing slit in the observatory’s dome means that the regular public stargazing sessions, held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, will be cancelled until repairs are made.