Observatory

The University South Foundation proudly owns and maintains the Patterson Observatory, located on the University of Arizona Sierra Vista Campus. Operated by dedicated volunteers from the Huachuca Astronomy Club, the observatory hosts free, family-friendly Public Viewing Nights starting about 30 minutes after sunset, weather permitting. These events aren’t held during the monsoon months (July and August), and space is limited, so registration is required. As a proud NASA Space Place and member of the NASA Night Sky Network, the observatory features a 16-foot dome and a powerful 20” Ritchey-Chrétien telescope that can spot objects a million times fainter than the human eye. It’s also available by appointment for youth, school, and community groups, an inspiring way to explore the universe right from Southern Arizona