​About the Observatory

The Phillips Exeter Academy Grainger Observatory is a state of the art facility for astronomical research. The facility includes two domed observatories, a heated classroom building with library and numerous additional instruments to assist students with their research. The observatory is used by the three astronomy courses at the Academy as well as by other courses as required. The facility is also open to the public on clear Friday evenings when school is in session.

The observatory was first opened in 1989 and has seen many changes since that time. In 2006, an ambient temperature storage annex was added behind the Chart House to store optics and other equipment.

• SBIG CCD Imaging cameras.
• UBVRI Photometric filters.
• PlaneWave 0.70m Corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope.
• Takahashi FSQ-106n refracting telescope.
• Takahashi FS-125 refracting telescope.
• RC Optical 10" Ritchey-Chretien telescope.
• Meade 16" SCT telescope.
• Byers Heliostat with H-Alpha filter.
• 60mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope.
• Questar 3.5” telescopes.
• Numerous binoculars.
• SBIG high resolution spectrograph.
• Numerous filters, eyepieces and related imaging equipment.