Columbia Has Its Own Rooftop Observatory

Emma Asher

The copper dome on top of Pupin Hall holds a secret — it’s an observatory! Rutherfurd Observatory has sat atop Pupin since the building opened in 1927. It has cycled through several telescopes through the decades; currently, the retractable dome houses a Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain with an 11-inch aperture as well as a 14-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain. Every other Friday evening during the school year, the astronomy department offers free public lectures, accompanied by guided stargazing.