Cool Cosmic Places

Some of the better places on Earth to view the splendors of the night sky are from observatories.  But not all observatories are the same.  And there's good reason for that.  Many come in various shapes and sizes to house that very telescope or instrument best suited to explore the cosmos.  Some are large, many are small; some are domed wonders, others are open to the sky.  But every observatory does offer its observers the chance to stretch one's gaze across the heavens and through time, to view the night sky in detail, and to explore for onself the mysteries of the universe. 

From time to time, some of the coolest places on the planet will be featured on this page.  You'll want to return again and again.  Take a look at one such place right now:

Click here to view pictures and read a concise history of the Northmoor Observatory, operated by the Peoria Astronomical Society, which offers views of the night sky for residents of central Illinois.