Dr. Ralph L. Buice Jr. Observatory

The Dr. Ralph L. Buice Jr. Observatory houses a 36-inch (0.9-meter) Cassegrain reflector beneath a 30-foot (10-meter) dome. This is the largest telescope in the southeastern United States and one of the largest instruments ever dedicated to education and public viewing.

Free public observations are offered every Thursday and Friday evening from 9 p.m. (or dark) until 10:30 p.m. (weather permitting).

An astronomer is available to position the telescope and answer questions.

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.

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