Theodor Jacobsen Observatory

The Theodor Jacobsen Observatory is the on-campus observatory of the University of Washington. Built in 1895, it is the second oldest building on campus, constructed with Tenino sandstone blocks from Denny Hall. The dome houses a six-inch Brashear objective lens on a Warner & Swasey equatorial mount. The observatory also includes a transit room and a 45-seat classroom added in 1912. Today, the observatory is used for public outreach and is run jointly by the UW Department of Astronomy and the Seattle Astronomical Society. It is open to the public on first and third Tuesdays from April through September. Visitors can see the historic telescope and learn about astronomy. The observatory is listed on the State Register of Historical Buildings.