The Friedman Observatory | Stargazing & Research Access in Lehman
The Friedman Observatory in Lehman offers public access to a research-grade astronomy facility on the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. The observatory welcomes curious learners and sky watchers with Friday evening open houses held when weather conditions allow. Visitors can observe planets, stars and deep-sky objects through a 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain LX200 telescope. Staff provide guidance to help guests enjoy clear views and understand what they are seeing. All ages are welcome, and no reservations are required.
Public Programs & Weather Details
Weekly open houses begin at 8 p.m. and operate only when skies are clear. The observatory closes during poor visibility, storms affecting the Northeastern PA region or unsafe winter road conditions. Social media updates help visitors plan their trip before traveling.
About the Telescope
The observatory’s telescope was installed in 2003 through a donation from the Friedman family. The upgrade increased light-gathering power and improved tracking accuracy. The instrument can locate thousands of celestial objects stored in its onboard database. Installation required extensive coordination, from hoisting the optical tube into the dome to aligning the system with true north using precise astronomical techniques.
The Friedman Observatory on the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus in Lehman delivers an engaging astronomy experience for curious visitors.
