The Bowdoin College’s original observatory was designed by Samuel B. Dunning and built on the central campus in 1891, then relocated to the southern edge of campus in 1927. The 12″ Maksutov telescope was used on student projects up until the early 90s, when it was deemed insufficient for research projects and too labor intensive to maintain for public observation.

The historic observatory structure stood on the edge of the athletic fields, but growth of the surrounding trees severely limited its view of the skies.

In June 2023, the Observatory was moved from its location to the center of the athletic fields near Farley Field House. This ensures the telescope will have an unobscured view of the sky.

In 2025, the dome was replaced with a steel dome, and the new 80 cm ASA telescope were lifted in place as well.

Telescope Installation continues into October 2025. Initial testing is though to commence towards late fall/winter 2025 with an anticipated official inauguration in the spring 2026.