There are always a number of men at Harvard, especially freshmen and other first year men, who are ignorant of the opportunities offered by such branches of the University as the Astronomical Observatory. The observatory is open every day to all Harvard men for inspection.

There are eight large instruments and several smaller telescopes at the Observatory. The largest telescope is 15 inches in diameter and has a power of magnifying 5000 times. This instrument, the gift of the Hon. David Sears, was the nucleus upon which the Observatory was first started in 1843. The four Gregorian Reflectors of different diameters are used for photographic purposes only. Nearly all the modern instruments and appliances for surveying the heavens are at the Observatory A large part of the time signals of New England is furnished by the time service of the Observatory.

There are very few Harvard students who take Astronomical courses at the Observatory, as the men there are chiefly engaged in taking observations and making discoveries, the credit of which comes to Harvard. But any one properly qualified to pursue the study of astronomy may be admitted to the Observatory as a student. Such students are permitted to take part in the observations and to make use of the library of over 6000 volumes. Certain fees are charged, which are often remitted in consideration of services rendered. Application for admission may be made to the director, with whom the fees for instruction may be agreed upon.