Jewett Observatory

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James Richard Jewett Observatory
Jewett Observatory in 2001
Organization	Washington State University
Location	Pullman, Washington, USA
Coordinates	46°43′43″N, 117°09′11″W
Altitude	790 meters (2625 feet)
Wavelength	Optical
Built	1953
Telescope style	Refractor
Diameter	12 inch
Focal length	15 feet (f/15)
Mounting	Equatorial
Dome	Spherical
Website	astro.wsu.edu/observatory.html

The James Richard Jewett Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Washington State University. It is located in Pullman, Washington (USA). It houses the second-largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington. The 12-inch lens was originally ground and polished between 1887 and 1889 by Alvan Clark & Sons for an amateur astronomer, who died before the telescope could be assembled. The lens was put into storage, and was purchased by the university when it came up for auction in the 1950s. Its present dome was dedicated in 1953 and it is named after the father of a supporter of the observatory, Mr. George Jewett of Spokane.

The observatory is not used for research purposes; it is primarily used for undergraduate student labs and training, and houses ten portable telescopes for this purpose. Additionally, the telescope open for use to any students who have been instructed in its use, as well as to the public on monthly star party nights.