The birthplace of modern astrophysics
Yerkes Observatory is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago. It was established in 1897 on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Until the mid-1960's, Yerkes Observatory housed all of the Department's activities. Today the 77-acre, park-like site in southeast Wisconsin provides laboratory space and access to telescopes for research and instruction.
Yerkes Observatory occupies a unique niche for the education and the scientific community. It bridges several important perspectives in formal and informal education. The history of astronomy and astrophysics of the observatory is a solid foundation for introducing all the important topics in current research as well as the practice of observational astronomy. There is a huge range of opportunities for learning. Because of Yerkes' historical context, the world of professional and student astronomers and astronomy educators are drawn to the observatory. These communities learn from one another, build relationships, and create programs, which result in enriched experiences and learning opportunities for young and diverse members of our society..

Yerkes Observatory is open for free public tours  every Saturday throughout the year. We also offer group tours or special programs.

Upcoming Events

• Special Programs
  Throughout the year, weather permitting, Yerkes Observatory is offering special astronomy programs for families and individuals....more...
• Family Night Program
  Family Nights are designed for students, with a parent, in grades 4 - 8. Programs are monthly from 6-8 pm at the Observatory with featured topical talks and interactive hands-on activities. Feb. 23 Comets; Mar. 15 Sun-Earth Connection; April 19 Sense the Invisible; May 10 Solar System.$5 Fee.
  For more info and registration click here
• High School Student Opportunities
  High School students, both local and distant, come to monthly sessions to learn about various STEM related topics especially with Astronomy. Real scientists, engineers, and educators prepare talks and engaging activities. All high school students are welcome! February 15 from 7:30-9:30 is the next opportunity. Come to see what everyone is talking about! To register, call 262-245-5555, ext. 832. Co-sponsored by the EEF
• Winter Star Party! Cloudy or Clear (February 25, 2012; 5-7pm)
  (Future Dates are Sat. March 17 and Friday April 20)
  Learn the bright stars and constellations of the spectacular winter sky. Role play the Stars of Winter to understand how they differ in true brightness, distance, color and temperature. Hear a talk about Astro-photography and try out some Citizen Science. Fee $5/person or $15/family.
  For registration click here
• Stars at Yerkes Teacher Professional Development
  Join the Yerkes Outreach Educators professional learning community in monthly workshops designed for teachers. informal program leaders, and amateur astronomers. Upcoming Opportunities include: Citizen Science Saturday Feb. 25th; Building STEM in Your Classroom March 17th; Constellation Photography and Variable Stars April 21st. Fee $25.
  Feb 25th Citizen Science Saturday Information and Registration click here click here
• Pulsar Search Collaboratory - West (March 2-4th)
  Join us for a weekend workshop (stipends for teachers) to learn how your students can search for and just maybe discover a pulsar! Presented in collaboration with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory of Green Bank, WV. See the Brochure with the application link. Register by Feb. 12th!
• Girls Exploring Energy (GEE) (June 25-28, 2012, at Yerkes Observatory)
  Summer Camp for Middle School Girls. Co-sponsored by AAUW-Geneva Lake Branch and Yerkes Outreach Educators. Click here for brochure & application. Apply soon. Only 20 spots available.

The education programs are made possible in part through SOFIA Outreach at Yerkes Observatory.