After many years of inactivity, the observatory located atop Stabler Hall was renovated and reopened in March 2025. The revitalization was due in part to the overwhelming enthusiasm sparked by the university’s public event for the Great North American Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy, plans to hold about 10 observations annually, offering both daytime and nighttime events.
Daytime sessions will allow visitors to observe the sun, including sunspots and eclipses, while nighttime viewings will focus on planets, meteor showers, and galaxies.
History
The observatory’s dome was originally built in 1930 by newspaper executive Frederick Allsopp for his astronomy-enthusiast wife. In 1970, Dr. J.W. Downs donated the observatory to UA Little Rock, where it was installed on Stabler Hall during the tenure of Chancellor Carey V. Stabler. In its prime, the observatory hosted up to 70 events a year.
After the success of UA Little Rock’s eclipse events in 2024, Dr. Guisbiers received approval from university leadership to begin restoration efforts of the observatory. The team of faculty, staff, and students cleaned out the space, installed new flooring, painted, and then prepared to reinstall an 11-inch telescope in the dome.
Contact Information
The revitalization of the observatory not only marks an important chapter in UA Little Rock’s history but also reaffirms the university’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and engagement for students and the community alike.
To learn more about UA Little Rock’s observatory, please contact Dr. Gregory Guisbiers at 501-916-5925 or [email protected].