Fuertes Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the North Campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The observatory was designed by L.P. Burnham, Cornell Professor of Architecture and completed in fall of 1917. It was originally used by the Civil Engineering Department as an instructional field office for navigation and surveying. Today, the observatory is primarily used for public outreach, welcoming over two thousand visitors per year with open houses on clear Friday nights.
Fuertes Observatory
Professor Samuel L. Boothroyd looks through the Irving Porter Church Telescope in 1923, soon after its completion. Cornell Alumni News, May 3, 1923.
The Irving Porter Church Memorial Telescope residing in the dome room of Cornell's Fuertes Observatory. The instrument is a 12" f/15 refracting telescope installed in 1922.
The Irving Porter Church Telescope on its original German Equatorial Mount built by Warner & Swasey.
North Campus is a mostly residential section of Cornell University's main campus in Ithaca, New York. It includes the neighborhoods located north of Fall Creek. All freshmen are housed on North Campus as part of Cornell's common first-year experience and residential initiatives.
North Campus of Cornell University in 2006, before the residential expansion
North Campus viewed from the Thurston Avenue Bridge with Balch Hall visible in the center
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall
Kay Hall (left) and Bauer Hall (right) on Cornell's North Campus
