Paul Morgan Observatory
The Paul Morgan Observatory (PMO) is designed to provide onsite and online viewings of the sun and night sky and is the only public observatory in southern Oregon, and is the only all-digital observatory in the Northwest. The observatory will also serve to provide outreach to schools and other groups via the Internet and onsite tours. If skies are cloudy a short lecture with slides and videos will be presented.
Observatory Events
Paul Morgan Observatory Indoor Night Sky Viewing Events
Join us for small group live remote sessions inside the observatory. The sky may be cloudy in Douglas County, but through our special digital viewing access, we will be showcasing events live from other locations that have a clear view on earth.
March 31: Star Formation Nebula M42
April 14: Star Clusters, M52 NGC 869, M35. Glob NGC 2419 and M3
April 19: Total Solar Eclipse
April 28: Galaxies M83, NGC 300, NGC 253, M104 , M101
All events: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Free Event for the Community
VERY limited seating - First-come, first-serve seating.
Join with Zoom: Call the observatory 541-440-4719 and leave a message with your email address
Sign Up for Observatory Event News
Outdoor events: Cloudy or clear we will have an event. Only rain will cause us cancel.
Observatory Background & Accomplishments
Paul Morgan Observatory History
Visit the Observatory
School visits to the observatory, either online or on site will now be available as weather permits. Please email the observatory to arrange a visit for either day (solar) or night time observing. Schools that want to visit online should email for arrangements and a special link for either daytime (solar) or night time (night sky) observing.
The observatory is located near the Tower Building at UCC. Limited parking is available around the Tower Building. However, there is more parking down the hill from the observatory in front of the Technology Center. For more information, see map.
The observatory is handicap accessible and is designed for wheelchair viewing of the TV monitors. Images are seen in real-time in color on large screen TV monitors allowing for group presentations. Simultaneously, the presentations with images can be broadcast online.
Did you know?
Each summer, students can enroll in GS107 - Beginning Astronomy. This 4 credit transferable science class with lab is available online but encourages local students to come to the observatory several times during the 9 week term starting in July. More distant students can access the observatory imaging sessions remotely via Zoom. This is a great class to take in order to fulfill a science elective for many programs of study.
UCC supports STEAM education in the community. In addition to the observatory, UCC also supports the Umpqua Valley STEAM Hub. Together, we have promoted events like the Solar System Walk, STEAM Extravaganza, and many Observatory programs.
UCC offers degree programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (aka STEAM). You are invited to explore them, share them, and get started in these vital fields of study. In fact, please take a few moments to become familiar with these UCC programs.
Apply to UCC
We hope that the activities at the Paul Morgan Observatory inspire you to "Reach for the Stars" by starting an educational journey in STEAM related areas of study at UCC. Ready?
Contact
Paul Morgan - Contact
Assistant Professor, Science - Astronomy
Observatory 541-440-4719 leave a message or 541-673-1081
