Adams Observatory

About Adams Observatory

Adams Observatory is Austin College's rooftop astronomy observatory inside the IDEA Center in Sherman. Its silver dome houses a 24-inch research telescope affectionately named Rose after the Yellow Rose of Texas. Austin College identifies the instrument as the largest research telescope in North Texas and equips it with specialized astronomical imaging, planetary imaging and spectroscopy instruments used for teaching and research. The observatory also has direct public value: several times each year Austin College opens Adams Observatory to the campus and wider community for Star Parties, giving visitors opportunities to look through one of the largest telescopes in the region while students share their knowledge of the night sky. The facility also supports significant astronomical research, including Austin College student participation in NASA TESS follow-up work that has helped identify more than 50 exoplanets.