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MIT Building: OC-21 / MPC 810 / 42° 36′ 35″ N x 71° 29′ 04″ W

Wallace Astrophysical Observatory (WAO) was founded in 1971 as an astronomical teaching and research facility run by the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

We currently operate six robotic telescopes: the Wallace 24-in, the Elliot 24-in, and four 14-inch telescopes. WAO also hosts experiments from other MIT facilities, including a satellite laser communication station (MIT-Aero/Astro) and an environmental monitoring station (MIT-LL). In order to meet the challenges of the next half-century, the main building was refurbished in 2026 with a new kitchen, bathroom and control room, all of which are now ADA-compliant.

In between serving our MIT students in both spring and fall semester classes, we also conduct planetary science research. Our focus is generally on small bodies: near-Earth asteroids, KBOs, as well as Pluto – which, is still a planet! When time permits, we also host outreach tours at night. We hope to see you here – all are welcome!