Hume Cronyn Observatory

About Hume Cronyn Observatory

The Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory is an arts and venue located on the Western University campus in the Medway area of London. It serves as a central hub for astronomical outreach and public events for the greater London community. The observatory offers a variety of public and private programs designed to engage people of all ages. These include free, drop-in public nights and special midweek sessions for students where visitors can explore astronomy in a relaxed setting. The facility provides opportunities for stargazing through its flagship 10-inch refractor and other telescopes, as well as presentations and demonstrations on astronomical topics. For those seeking more personalized experiences, the venue offers private nights with a professional astronomer as a guide and the option to rent a telescope. Additionally, the Exploring the Stars program provides educational astronomy activities specifically for elementary and secondary school students, university students, and the general public. Inaugurated on October 25, 1940, the facility is noted for showcasing its cultural and historical heritage. The observatory operates as a space where the public can pose questions to astronomers and view the night sky, weather permitting. While the venue is not open daily, it hosts scheduled events throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to consider making a donation to help keep these public astronomy events free of charge.