Indiana State University has refurbished its rooftop observatory after 26 years of intermittent use and will open the restored dome to the public this Thursday evening. Student Director Kody Walker and Affiliate Professor James Wallace led repairs to the dome and the telescope inside. The instrument is historically notable — only 28 units of this model were produced worldwide. The public event will allow visitors to view stars, galaxies and learn about the restoration.
Indiana State Reopens Rare Rooftop Observatory — Public Viewing Set for Thursday
Indiana State University has refurbished its rooftop observatory after 26 years of intermittent use and will open the restored dome to the public this Thursday evening. Student Director Kody Walker and Affiliate Professor James Wallace led repairs to the dome and the telescope inside. The instrument is historically notable — only 28 units of this model were produced worldwide. The public event will allow visitors to view stars, galaxies and learn about the restoration.
10:35 AM, 11/18/2025Science
Refurbished Observatory at Indiana State Opens for Public Viewing
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — After 26 years of sporadic use, Indiana State University's domed rooftop observatory has been refurbished and will be open to the community for public viewing.
The round observatory, perched atop the university's science building, houses a large telescope that allows visitors to observe stars, galaxies and other celestial objects. Student Director Kody Walker and Affiliate Professor James Wallace led recent repairs to the dome and the instrument inside, restoring the facility to operational condition.
Wallace noted the observatory's historical significance: only 28 of this particular model were ever produced worldwide, making it a rare piece of astronomical equipment on campus.
“The general public absolutely loves astronomy; they gobble it up heart and soul,” Wallace said. “ISU has the opportunity to present the scopes that we have to the public and allow them to see the things that they read about.”
This week the university will showcase the restored observatory and demonstrate what the revived telescope can reveal. An event is scheduled for Thursday evening, when visitors can view celestial targets through the scope and learn about the restoration process from the student and faculty team.
Visitors should check Indiana State's event calendar or local listings for time and weather-related updates. For more local news and event information, see MyWabashValley.com.