Physics

Ladd Observatory

About Ladd Observatory

The historic Ladd Observatory was dedicated in 1891. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For an overview of the history, see Viewing the Night Sky: The Ladd Observatory, a Jewel in Brown’s Crown by David Targan.

From Star to Clock: Timekeeping at Ladd Observatory

Learn how we synchronized precision pendulum clocks to the stars by watching "From Star to Clock... Timekeeping at Ladd Observatory." A presentation by the Observatory Curator, Michael Umbricht, recorded for our 125th Anniversary.

How to get to Ladd Observatory

The Observatory is located on College Hill at 210 Doyle Avenue, at the corner of Doyle Ave. and Hope St.

Ladd Observatory

The Ladd Observatory presents a regular series of public science outreach programs and educational publications for the community. The Observatory also supports classes and student groups at Brown.

Our public observing nights are on Tuesday evenings, weather permitting. Visit our eventbrite page to see our currently scheduled events and to reserve a free ticket. A prediction of sky viewing conditions is available at the Ladd Clear Sky Chart.

You can contact us at ladd_observatory@brown.edu or (401) 863-2641. Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter by Francine Jackson for updates and announcements. The most recent note is here.

We also publish a magazine with more in-depth articles and photo galleries. The links below are to download the full issues of recent Ladd Clear Skies magazines and also select articles about the history of science and technology. The documents are in PDF format. The most recent are at the top of each list.

Full Issues of Clear Skies

Select History Articles from Clear Skies

Ladd in the News

A collage of the partial and total phases of the eclipse — Collage of partial and total Solar eclipse images, April 8, 2024. Credit: Mahmoud Hallak

The Lagoon Nebula, Messier object M8 — Messier object M8, the Lagoon Nebula. Credit: Donny Davino

The planet Venus in front of the Sun — Transit of Venus across the Sun on June 5, 2012. Credit: Michael Umbricht

The planet Mars moving behind the edge of the Moon — Lunar Occultation of Mars on January 13, 2025. Credit: Scott MacNeill

The Department of Physics Presents Ladd Observatory

We offer a regular series of publications and events for public outreach, science communication, and education.

Ladd Observatory's Evenbrite Page